By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns kept their hopes of a seventh consecutive Premier Soccer League title high after edging Royal AM 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld to return to the top of the table on Wednesday.
Sphelele Mkhulise justified his first league start of the season with a goal six minutes into the match before Khuliso Mudau doubled the Brazilians’ advantage five minutes from time.
Sbangani Zulu grabbed the visitors’ consolation in stoppage time in a comeback attempt that failed.
It was a result which saw Sundowns return to the summit of the PSL table which Orlando Pirates had occupied on Tuesday.
Both traditional giants now have four straight league victories.
The Brazilians had Teboho Mokoena starting for the first time since 1 September and it was his maiden league line-up this season.
Thembinkosi Lorch and defender Divine Lunga also had their first starts of the campaign.
Royal AM coach John Maduka went with his familiar starting team, limited by a thin squad due to their player transfer ban.
The Brazilians went ahead as early as the sixth minute after Ayabulela Maxwele gifted Mkhulise a chance to easily beat goalkeeper Zakhahle Ngcobo.
Royal AM coach John Mduka was forced to alter his plans in the 15th minute when he had to pull out an injured midfielder in Khetukhuthula Ndlovu for forward Mfundo Thikazi.
Thikazi could not justify why he was introduced when he rushed to shoot straight at Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams just before the half-time break.
Mudau then picked up some pieces to finish off a Peter Shalulile failed attack against Royal AM’s pressure for an equaliser.
However, Maduka’s men reduced arrears through Zulu; and Sera Motebang’s header was safely collected by Ronwen Williams at the death.
Pictured above: Khuliso Mudau, Sphelele Mkhulise, Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
