Mamelodi Sundowns have picked up three points on the road after defeating Orbit College FC 2-0 in what was a thrilling encounter on Tuesday evening at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
The visitors kicked off the proceedings with an early attempt. It came from Nuno Santos who lodged the ball into the area from outside the box. Arthur Sales, who was present and alert in the box, connected to the ball with his head and redirected it towards goal but his effort sailed over the bar.
It didn’t take long enough for the hosts to respond with a ball in Downs’ half. They threatened Ronwen Williams with a shot aimed at goal after bypassing the defence. Luckily Williams easily caught it to deny them.
Orbit College were winning on the counter and they almost broke the deadlock after they won the second ball. A run was made into the box but were hovered by the Downs rearguard which didn’t hesitate to clear the ball.
Sales came close to seeing a goal again when he pulled one from range but the effort was over the top.
The fixture proved to be a thrilling one as a fully-packed Olympia Park Stadium witnessed end-to-end football. Despite an enterprising play, both sides went to the break goalless
It took only three minutes for a goal to be witnessed in the second stanza and it was in favour of Masandawana who capitalised from the lack of concentration of the hosts. Santos – who was in a tight angle to score – headed the ball to Miguel Reisinho who kept it hard and low to tuck the ball under the keeper to break the deadlock.
On the 58th minute, Khuliso Mudau was fouled inside the box, leading to the referee to point to the spot. Taken by Iqraam Rayners, the penalty kick came in a form of a grass-cutter which went past the keeper to see Downs double their advantage.
Bafana Ba Style hovered around the Orbit College half in the second stanza, creating chances but were just not getting it right. Rayners almost teed one up just after the 70th minute but was disposed by the defence to deny him a brace.
In the closing stages of the match, Monnapule Saleng almost made it three goals for the Brazilians. His effort to shoot in the nearpost, however, hit the side netting to deny him his first goal in Brazilian colours.
Substitute, Themba Zwane, almost got a goal on the left hand side when he made a run into the box. He initially bypassed the goalkeeper but the keeper was quick with his hands as he snatched the ball off his feet. While they had good chances to put it in the net, the visitors had to settle for the two goal away from home.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Mudau, Johannes, Cupido, Basadien, Santos, Allende, Saleng, Reisinho, Rayners, Sales.
Subs: Onyango, Kekana, Modiba, Morena, Mokoena, Zwane, Matthews, Mothiba, Leon.
It would be one of the proudest moments in the history of supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns if one day the club were to have its own stadium in Pretoria. Many townships have stadiums of their own, even those without major professional teams. Yet a club with the reach, success, and rich history of Sundowns, deeply rooted in Mamelodi still does not have a home stadium close to its origins.
Supporters are aware that discussions about such a development have existed for some time. Having a stadium in Mamelodi would not only honour the club’s roots but would also firmly cement Sundowns’ status as one of the biggest and most influential teams in South African football. It would strengthen the bond between the club and its community, giving the supporters a true home to celebrate their identity and history. ⚽