Downs push on in chase for title
OVER to you, Kaizer Chiefs. That seemed to be the message Mamelodi Sundowns were sending to their Absa Premiership title rivals with this massive win against a lacklustre Moroka Swallows in Soweto last night.
Teko Modise, outstanding throughout the 90 minutes, struck early and put the Brazilians in the driving seat with a stunning long-range effort that proved too much for goalkeeper Greg Etafia.
Modise’s fifth goal of the season was enough to separate the two sides and guaranteed Sundowns the crucial victory, with only two matches remaining.
It was also the club’s ninth straight Premiership win. The log leaders are six points clear but have played two games more than second-placed Chiefs, who have CAF Confederations Cup commitments this weekend.
Pitso Mosimane, the Sundowns coach, got his wish when the final whistle blew. His side dominated but failed to scramble a second goal that would have provided security.
Sundowns now get to sit back over the coming days and plot for the last two league encounters against cross-town rivals SuperSport United and Maritzburg United.
Chiefs have to turn their games in hand into points, starting with a trip to Bidvest Wits on Wednesday.
The league winners could be decided on goal difference next month.
Goal-scorer Modise almost turned provider when he set up Lebohang Mokoena, sending him one on one with keeper Etafia. But the shot was kept out. Etafia was also fortunate not to concede when second-half substitute Rodney Ramagalela’s attempt was cleared off the line by Asavela Mbekile in the 73rd minute. Moments earlier, Mokoena again came close but wasted his chance.
Sundowns’ rearguard kept it watertight to secure the clean sheet after skipper Alje Schut’s injury.