Daily Dispatch

Drubbing for Black Leopards in masterclas­s from Sundowns

- MARC STRYDOM

Mamelodi Sundowns have their attacking mojo back, sweeping aside Black Leopards with a swagger in Wednesday night's 3-0 Absa Premiershi­p victory at Loftus Versfeld.

Downs leapfrogge­d Orlando Pirates into second place, three points behind leaders Bidvest Wits with two games in hand.

Lebohang Maboe put Downs ahead in the 41st minute, Isaac Masia's own goal in the 54th made it 2-0, and Ricardo Nascimento added a third with a penalty in the 85th.

Anyone predicting Sundowns’ demise, think again.

Downs are still rebuilding but every bit in good health.

A 2-1 Champions League win against Asec Abidjan where they streamed forward, playing Barcelona-like combinatio­ns, here on Friday night has been followed by another such performanc­e against Leopards.

As an aside, because it doesn't get said enough – Themba Zwane might be one of Africa’s best wingers at his best.

He and the rejuvenate­d, hungry Anthony Laffor are part of a frontline – last night Maboe was a false No 9 ahead of Gaston Sirino – that overruns enemy lines, and can leave Downs' backline as spectators to the beauty of it.

Downs made Leopards look ordinary. They took the foot off the gas once they had a twogoal cushion, but still managed a third from the spot.

Leopards, with their dangerous front-runners, had some early half-chances, though against the run of play.

As Downs stamped their class, though, the first half became theirs, somehow spurning some masterfull­y-constructe­d opportunit­ies until Maboe converted.

Kekana’s monstrous sliding challenge on Mwape Musonda deep in his half set up Downs' opener. The Brazilians' skipper got up and lobbed to Sirino free on the left, who advanced and crossed for Maboe to get in with a fine finish at the near post.

Downs' second soon after the break came as much from their ability to sweep Leopards open as the fortune of a Leopards own goal. Maboe was played down the right and crossed awkwardly behind the defence, Masia turning the ball into his own net. Zwane's shot was blocked by Pentjie Zulu and Daniel Bennett pointed to the spot. Nascimento rolled his penalty to the left of Ndlovu. ● Midfielder Reneilwe Letsholony­ane will be judged like any other player when contracts are negotiated at SuperSport United in July, said director of football Stan Matthews. “Onismor Bhasera has been on the last year of his contract for the last three years and it was the same with Thabo September.”

 ??  ?? RENEILWE LETSHOLONY­ANE
RENEILWE LETSHOLONY­ANE
 ??  ?? ONISMOR BHASERA
ONISMOR BHASERA

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa