Menzi Magubane
Mamelodi Sundowns have stretched their lead over AmaZulu on top of the DStv Premiership table to four points.
Masandawana beat stubborn Maritzburg United 2-0 at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday.
This was the first of two catch up matches for Downs, with the second one coming on Sunday against TS Galaxy.
Usuthu will only play next week and if all goes Downs’ way and win at Galaxy they would have opened up a seven-point lead by then.
Sundowns were dealt a big blow just after 12 minutes into the match when they were forced to substitute their star midfielder Themba Zwane due to injury. Lebo Mkhuma was brought in as his replacement.
The home team continued to play their normal pressing match despite the absence of Zwane. In the 38th minute Gift Motupa was fouled in the box by Clayton Daniels and the referee pointed to the spot.
Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento took the spot-kick and scored to put the home team ahead in the 39th minute.
The Brazilians knew very well that getting anything less than maximum points could put them under pressure with Usuthu breathing on their necks.
In the 71st minute Motupa doubled the score for Sundowns to make it 2-0 from Mothobi Mvala’s corner kick.
This result was not what the doctor ordered for Ernst Middendorp and his lads. Even though they are seven points behind the Black Leopards, who are in 16th place, they would have loved to get something on this match.
The Team of Choice will remain in 13th place with 25 points after 25 matches. They are just a point away from the play-offs spot that is currently occupied by Chippa United.
With five matches remaining, Maritzburg would feel they have what it takes to survive the relegation and the play-offs all together.
Picture source:@officialpsl
