By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their march towards a record-extending seventh successive Premier Soccer League title with a 2-0 victory over Chippa United on Saturday.
Teboho Mokoena’s finish nine minutes into the contest set the Brazilians onto the victory path at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Substitute Tashreeq Matthews then sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike just five minutes after he was introduced.
It was a fruitful weekend for the Brazilians who increased their PSL lead to 12 points with three games in hand.
Masandawana dominated play from the first whistle and it was no surprise seeing Mokoena unleashing his trademark scorcher from outside the box.
So powerful was the shot, off Chippa’s attempt to clear a corner kick, that Stanley Nwabali stood unable to do anything to try and stop it.
Chippa almost restored parity on 14 and 18 minutes but Ronwen Williams did well to deny Kamohelo Mhlatsi and Eva Nga.
What had started as a contest that promised a goal fest then fizzled out while the visitors found it tough to stage a comeback.
But five minutes into the second half, Nwabali excellently palmed to safety Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s cheeky lob.
Having spent a long period risking an equaliser from Chippa, Sundowns doubled their lead when Matthews outpaced Thabo Makhele before finishing a Mokoena assist for his first-ever Masandawana goal.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch lost second spot on the table after being held 1-1 by Cape Town Spurs at Danie Craven Stadium.
Iqraam Rayners’ penalty on 68 minutes cancelled Asenele Velebayi’s lead for Spurs as the Cape Winelands side allowed Orlando Pirates to dislodge them from position two.
SuperSport United also threw away an opportunity to go second after being frustrated in a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Victor Letsoalo had thrust Usuthu ahead after 18 minutes and Lyle Lakay’s 74th-minute strike rescued a point for Matsatsantsa who dropped one spot into fourth place.
At Dobsonville Stadium, Sekhukhune United continued to climb up the ladder after dismissing hosts Moroka Swallows 4-1.
Linda Mntambo, Tresor Yamba, Thamsanqa Masiya and Jamie Webber’s goals fired Babina Noko to a fourth consecutive victory up to position six while Jacob Everson grabbed Swallows’ consolation strike.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch lurks behind Chipa United’s Goodman Mosele
Image source: Chippa United
