By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns set a new Premier Soccer League season points record following Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium.
Lesiba Nku grabbed the all-important finish that separated the two sides in the 66th minute, his second goal in two games.
That helped Masandawana go on 72 points to break the 71-point record they amassed at the end of the 2015/16 season.
It was a missed opportunity by second-placed Stellenbosch to seal a top-two finish after Orlando Pirates were edged 1-0 by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium.
Saturday’s result set-up a photo finish for the race for the top-two position which will take place on the last day of the campaign next weekend.
Themba Zwane was back to start for Sundowns after missing their back-to-back league games against Royal AM.
Coach Rhulani Mokwena surprisingly benched defender Mothobi Mvala in preference of Bathusi Aubaas at the heart of defence.
The Cape Winelands side had familiar faces in their line-up but coach Steve Barker surprisingly had Ivorian forward Anicet Oura as a substitute.
It was the 52nd game for Rhulani Mokwena to go unbeaten in the league as head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns and it is the longest streak for a PSL team to go without tasting defeat.
Stellenbosch missed a chance to go ahead on 34 minutes when Ronwen Williams saved an Iqraam Rayners penalty.
It was a chance blown; and allowed Sundowns to gather themselves up and take maximum points back home.
At Mbombela Stadium, Sphiwe Mahlangu scored in the 69th minute to help TS Galay deny third-placed Pirates a victory.
The Sea Robbers had centre-back Olisa Ndah returning to replace the injured Tapelo Xoki while the home side missed suspended right-back Marks Munyai.
To finish second on the table, the Buccaneers will now have to beat tricky SuperSport United on the final day and pray that Stellenbosch fall down away at Richards Bay.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane challenging Stellenbosch’s Sihle Nduli.
Image source: Stellenbosch
