Sunday World (South Africa)

Downs clobber hapless Pirates

Bonanza for 80 000 fans at the calabash

- By Kgomotso Mokoena

It will go down as a day to remember for the 80 000 fans that descended on FNB Stadium as they were treated to a bonanza that started as early as 9am.

At the end Mamelodi Sundowns were deservedly crowned champions of the 2022 Carling Black Label Cup after sjamboking Orlando Pirates 4-0 in the final.

For most of the fans, it was their first time that they attended three matches in one day. They braved the rain and sang their lungs out for the whole day.

Fans have been longing for this kind of event, which used to be one of the most sought-after in the calendar before it was cancelled.

The four-team Telkom Charity Cup was cancelled and the Black Label Cup, featuring only Amakhosi and the Buccaneers came to the fore.

To give other players a run, Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena made wholesome changes to the team that defeated Amazulu in the first semi-final. Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Grant Kekana were the only survivors while Pirates made five changes with Neverdie Makhubela, Vincent Pule, Deon Hotto, Eva Nga and Kabelo Dlamini getting a start.

Sundowns have been in a mean mood after Pirates dumped them out of the MTN8 in Polokwane last month. They have now scored 15 goals in their last four matches without conceding. They hammered Maritzburg United 5-0, Royal AM 3-0, Amazulu 3-0 and Pirates 4-0.

Sundowns started the final with the intent of dominating Pirates and it rained goals. By the 30th minute, they were already 3-0 up and it seemed like it was going to be a closed coffin for the Buccaneers.

What added to Pirates’ woes was the red card to Tapelo Xoki for a rough challenge on Domingo Haashim, who was stretchere­d off the field after 20 minutes. Playing against a team of Sundowns’ calibre with 10 men is a mountain to climb and it only took the Brazilians one minute after the red card to open the scoring via the boot of Sphelele Mkhulise.

Ten minutes later, it was 2-0 after Grant Kekana walked the ball into the net when Sundowns dissected Bucs defence.

Cassius Mailula completed the rat-a-tat spell with the third that punctured the spirits of the Buccaneers. Mailula was again on the scoreboard with a curling shot in the second stanza.

Sundowns will again face the Buccaneers in their last match of the year on New Year’s Eve.

 ?? /Gallo Images ?? Victorious Sundowns players lift the Carling Black Label Cup after beating Orlando Pirates 4-0 at FNB Stadium in Johannesbu­rg last night.
/Gallo Images Victorious Sundowns players lift the Carling Black Label Cup after beating Orlando Pirates 4-0 at FNB Stadium in Johannesbu­rg last night.

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