By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns are the league champions after winning 5-1 over 10-man Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Thursday.
Tashreeq Matthews scored a brace, first finding the target seven minutes into the second half, before again scoring with eight minutes to go.
Matias Esquivel also found the back of the net in the 56th minute while Mduduzi Shabalala converted from the penalty spot to hand Amakhosi a consolation with five minutes remaining.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Thembinkosi Lorch struck in quick succession right at the death to complete the rout.
After losing Given Msimango to a red card in the 19th minute, Chiefs managed to hold on for a goalless scoreline at halftime but they returned from the break to collapse.
With Sundowns winning a record-extending seventh successive PSL title, much focus is now on the runners-up slot.
But Chiefs are out of that equation and would be happy they remained in position eight despite Thursday’s heavy defeat.
To make Sundowns’ evening something to cherish, coach Rhulani Mokwna fielded an almost second-string team without regulars like captain Themba Zwane, goalkeeper Ronwen William, Peter Shalulile and Grant Kekana.
The Brazilians got a numerical advantage after Msimango was shown a straight red card for fouling a charging Ribeiro although Chiefs managed to frustrate their visitors.
Two minutes into the second half, Ribeiro came close to breaking the deadlock but his curler went just wide before Thembinkosi Lorch almost beat Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
Amakhosi’s resistance was then broken when Matthews easily tapped in a Ribeiro cross past Bvuma.
Matthews’ goal signalled the crumble of Chiefs and shortly after, Esquivel sensationally weaved his way from the right flank into the box and his final shot was deflected into the net by Zitha Kwinika.
Masandawana extended their lead via Matthews again before Chiefs were handed a penalty after substitute Aubrey Modiba fouled Shabalala inside the box for the Amakhosi youngster to beat Denis Onyango in goals for Sundowns.
Ribeiro then fired home from the D-arch before Lorch beat a Chief’s offside trap to head in a Ribeiro cross.
Pictured above: Tashreeq Matthews watches as Christian Saile Basomboli controls the ball under the challenge of Terrence Mashego.
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
