There’s no doubt that Sundowns are kings of Tshwane
SuperSport United (0) 1 Gould 66 Mamelodi Sundowns (2) 2 Maboe 10, Lakay 34
THE result of this once bitter rivalry was never really in doubt, it was just the winning margin that Mamelodi Sundowns would triumph by that was always going to be a guessing game.
And Sundowns didn’t disappoint, particularly in the first half of the Tshwane derby, as they sealed a 2-1 victory against city rivals SuperSport United in the PSL at the Lucas Moriope Stadium yesterday.
It was in the first 45 minutes that the defending league champions showed their class and took the game away from their rivals with Lebohang Maboe and Lyle Lakay’s goals enough to secure them three points and bring them to within two points of Orlando Pirates, who sit at the summit of the standings.
What made Sundowns’ performance in the first half even more remarkable was the fact that it was claimed in trying conditions with a Highveld thunderstorm threatening to have the fixture called off.
But Sundowns seemed to thrive in the adverse conditions with their attacks being just as fierce and persistent as the downpour.
And they were well rewarded with two goals, but they could have scored more had the likes of Gaston Sirino and Themba Zwane not missed what would have ordinarily been routine goals on a drier field.
Sirino and Zwane weren’t the only ones struggling with their radar in front of goal as New Zealand international Jeremy Brockie also looked unsure and was a shadow of the lethal striker he was when he wore the colours of SuperSport.
While Sundowns bossed proceedings and were in full control of the game, SuperSport were crumbling and besides looking sterile on attack, they were losing every battle on the pitch which resulted in coach Kaitano Tembo making two substitutions before halftime.
Even though it has been five years and 12 matches since their last triumph over Sundowns, the home team refused to throw in the towel and came out guns blazing in the second stanza.
At the heart of all that SuperSport conjured up was the evergreen Reneilwe Letsholonyane, whose timely passes unsettled Sundowns.
SuperSport finally struck back with a Morgan Gould goal from a well-taken free-kick by substitute Aubrey Modiba, but the hosts failed to turn the heat up as the heavens cleared for a pulsating finish to the game.
In the end Sundowns walked away with the spoils once again and it left no doubt as to who the kings of Tshwane are, as the Brazilians are now just two points away from returning to the top of the league table.
Meanwhile, Chippa United have parted ways with Eric Tinker. He joined the Chilli Boys in the middle of this season replacing Dan Malesela.
Tinkler has found life difficult in his tenure as the coach of the club. On Friday, Chippa, were beaten by AmaZulu in the PSL at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Butholezwe Ncube’ strike was enough for Usuthu to collect maximum points. Chippa are now second from bottom on the standings with 10 points after 12 games.