Memorable Downs, Students semi-final lives up to everyone’s expectations
After a four-month suspension of SA football the Premier Soccer League had to come up with at least one game capable of providing a lasting memory of the resumption of the 2019-20 season that was so abruptly halted.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Bidvest Wits was the PSL’s great hope of delivering exactly that, albeit under unfamiliar circumstances.
That expectation was sensationally fulfilled by Lyle Lakay’s 95th-minute matchwinning free kick in a five-goal thriller that really came to life in the last 20 minutes.
The final will be played on September 8, which was provided by the PSL as a provisional date, with Celtic facing Sundowns in a game that will bring down the curtain on what has been an unprecedented season on all fronts.
Featuring the five-time winners of this cup, Sundowns, against an equally capable 99year-old Wits, this was one match that had all the ingredients to revive one’s interest in the local game.
Wits are bidding farewell to the PSL as we know them with their status having been sold to the highest bidder, from Limpopo.
A clash between Pitso Mosimane’s Sundowns and Gavin Hunt’s Wits is never dull and the match underlined that.
Sundowns penalty specialist Ricardo Nascimento slotted in the spot kick to give Mosimane hope of delivering a treble in a year in which the Brazilians are gearing up to celebrate their 50th anniversary in style.
Dzvukamanja came back to haunt Sundowns five minutes from time, cancelling out Keletso Makgalwa’s 8lst-minute goal that had restored the Brazilians’ lead. But Sundowns had the last laugh with Lakay beating a rusty Brighton Mhlongo in Wits’ goal with a delightful set piece just outside the area.
The victory was something to behold for Celtic legend and coach John Maduka as it kickstarted his career as head coach of Phunya Sele Sele.
The PSL has pencilled in October 9 as the date to start the now-delayed 2020/21 campaign. But betting on that happening as planned may be as good as hoping to spot physical social distancing in a taxi on our busy highways.