by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
PRETORIA, (CAJ News) – MAMELODI Sundowns strengthened their early Betway Premiership title credentials with a commanding 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Wednesday evening.
The result lifted the defending African champions to seven points from three league matches, keeping them level with early leaders Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu.
Orlando Pirates are the Betway premiership defending champions.
Malibongwe Khoza opened the scoring in the 21st minute, drilling home after Bathusi Aubaas headed Fawaaz Basadien’s delivery back across the penalty area.
It was Khoza’s first league goal of the campaign and rewarded Sundowns for a dominant opening spell.
Cassius Mailula then put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute, producing a composed finish from the edge of the area.
The forward’s strike continued his impressive return to form, marking his third goal in four matches.
Sundowns controlled possession and territory for long periods, with Marcelo Allende, Brayan Leon, Basadien and Bennet Mokoena among the players who consistently threatened the Gallants defence.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as the hosts restricted the visitors’ attacking opportunities.
Gallants goalkeeper Emile Lako, making his debut, nevertheless produced several important saves to prevent a heavier defeat.
Msindisi Kunene also came closest to troubling Williams with a first-half header.
The victory also extended Sundowns’ remarkable unbeaten home league run to 31 matches, underlining the strength of their Loftus fortress.
For Miguel Cardoso’s side, the three points are more than an early-season boost.
After surrendering the domestic title by a single point last season, Sundowns have made their intentions clear: they intend to reclaim the Betway Premiership crown.
The warning to their rivals is equally clear.
With an unbeaten start, attacking depth and formidable home form, Sundowns are already establishing themselves as serious title contenders.
– CAJ News