Sundowns in hard fought victory

Pitso Mosimane found a way to remain focused on the task at hand, as his Sundowns side picked up a hard fought 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium last night.

Mosimane is facing a police investigation for allegedly throwing a punch at AmaZulu’s head of security Nathi Ngwenya last Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

The Brazilians registered only their second win in the Absa Premiership as they sneaked into the top five, while Arrows’ search for a home victory in the new season has been prolonged.

Lebogang Maboe’s strike was enough to hand Downs all the spoils and ensure they return to Chloorkop with four points out of a possible six from KwaZulu-Natal, after they played out a 3-3 draw with AmaZulu on Sunday. The 24-year-old scored a minute before referee Kulasander Qongqo blew his whistle to signal the end of the opening half.

Mosimane retained goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, although he was guilty of a few howlers last time out against Usuthu. The ‘keeper repaid his coach’s faith in him – ahead of the more seasoned Kennedy Mweene – with a cleansheet.

In Abafana Bes’thende camp, Clinton Larsen continues to starve club veteran Musa Bilankulu of game time, as the 33-year-old midfielder is yet to make an appearance this season.

Larsen was the first to turn to his bench for reinforcements as he dispatched Sandile Zuke and Wade Jooste on the hour mark in place of Thabo Molefe and Danny Venter. Larsen’s opposite number made what looked like a reactive substitution when he immediately sent on Tiyani Mabunda to add numbers to his midfield.

Ten minutes later, Ali Meza got his second run out from the bench in as many games, as Guinea-Bissau international Toni Silva made way.