Mamelodi Sundowns moved level on points with Orlando Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership after a clinical 3–1 win over Sekhukhune United on Sunday. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns were pushed to the limit before securing a hard-earned 3–1 victory over Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, with substitute Iqraam Rayners emerging as the difference-maker.
The result had immediate implications at the top end of the Betway Premiership table with the Soweto Derby having shook up standings the day before. With both sides entering the contest separated by a single place, Sundowns’ victory lifted them onto 41 points from 18 matches, level with log leaders Orlando Pirates, who hold a slender advantage on goal difference.
Babina Noko, having now played 19 games, remained third on 32 points, reinforcing their status as a firm Top 3 contender rather than title challengers.
On the pitch, the opening exchanges reflected the stakes. The first half hour was a chess match, with both teams prioritising structure and control over risk.
Sundowns enjoyed the bulk of possession but found space difficult to come by, while Sekhukhune pressed intelligently and waited for transition opportunities.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 31st minute by Marcelo Allende. The midfielder, continuing his impressive run of form, produced a moment of quality by curling a superb effort into the top corner beyond Toaster Nsabata. It was Allende’s second goal in as many matches and rewarded Sundowns’ growing dominance.
Sekhukhune refused to retreat after the break and were rewarded for their enterprise. Coach Eric Tinkler introduced winger Amede Diomande, whose direct approach injected urgency into the visitors’ play.
The warning signs were evident when veteran striker Bradley Grobler narrowly missed a dangerous delivery early in the second half.
That threat became reality in the 70th minute. Grobler, left unmarked at the back post, headed home from close range for his eighth league goal after Vuyo Letlapa showed determination down the left flank to deliver an inviting cross.
At 1–1, Sundowns were suddenly under genuine pressure.
Coach Miguel Cardoso responded by throwing attacking reinforcements into the contest, pairing Rayners with Monnapule Saleng. The decision proved decisive. In the 81st minute, Saleng skipped past Daniel Cardoso before squaring for Rayners, who calmly poked home to restore Sundowns’ advantage.
Rayners, still working his way back to full fitness, was not finished. Deep into stoppage time, he completed his brace with a composed finish from outside the box, sealing victory and underlining Sundowns’ championship credentials.
In a weekend shaped by big statements, the champions ensured theirs was heard loud and clear.
The champions’ persistence was also aided by their depth, something that continues to separate them from the chasing pack. Despite rotating the squad following a demanding run of fixtures, Sundowns never looked short of options from the bench.
The reintroduction of Themba Zwane after injury added balance in midfield, while the experience of Khuliso Mudau and Jayden Adams ensured calm was maintained even when the contest threatened to slip away.
For Sekhukhune, the defeat will sting but it also reinforced why they remain one of the league’s most difficult opponents. Their compact shape frustrated Sundowns for long spells and their willingness to commit numbers forward after falling behind reflected a team playing with belief.
In the other match played on Sunday, Durban City beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
* Smiso Msomi is Independent Media's senior football reporter and host of the Monday Review on our YouTube channel The Clutch