Mailula strikes again as Sundowns beat Gallants but suffer severe Mudau injury

Cassius Mailula scored for the third time in four matches as Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the Betway Premiership, although the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to Khuliso Mudau.

The match at Loftus on Wednesday night lifted Sundowns to third place in the table and extended their remarkable home league unbeaten run to 31 matches.

Mudau, a dependable defender and Bafana Bafana right-back, was forced off shortly before half-time after appearing to suffer an injury. He was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa.

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso later described the injury as “very, very severe” in his post-match interview, providing an unwelcome concern after another important league victory for the Brazilians.

The result keeps Sundowns within touching distance of the early leaders. Orlando Pirates are top, with Kaizer Chiefs in second, while Pirates, Chiefs, Sundowns and AmaZulu all have seven points from their opening three matches.

It was a notable night for Sundowns at home, where they have not lost a league match since the end of the 2023-24 season. Their last defeat at the venue came against Cape Town City, a result that prevented Rulani Mokwena’s side from being described as ‘Invincibles’.

Jaedin Rhodes scored after a second-half error by Mothobi Mvala on the final day of that campaign, ending Sundowns’ hopes of completing the season unbeaten at home.

Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, remain at the foot of the standings under coach Phuti Mohafe. They have one point, the same total as Kruger United and Siwelele FC.

Sundowns took control of the match in the 21st minute following a short corner. Gallants failed to clear the ball after it was delivered into the penalty area, and Bathusi Aubaas headed it into the path of Malibongwe Khoza.

Khoza struck from close range, with the effort taking a touch off the foot of Yanga Madiba and finding the net via the Gallants defender.

The visitors came close to levelling shortly after the half-hour mark. Mxolisi Sikakane met a close-range header, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted quickly and dived to keep the attempt out.

That save proved important as Sundowns continued to protect their lead, despite losing Mudau before the interval.

Mailula then sealed the points in the 67th minute, taking advantage of hesitancy in the Gallants defence. The forward produced a composed finish with his weaker left foot, beating Lako with a well-placed shot.

Mailula returned to Chloorkop after difficult spells in the United States, Morocco and Belgium, and his latest goal underlined his improving form. He has now scored in three of Sundowns’ past four matches in all competitions.

The win strengthens Sundowns’ position near the top of the Betway Premiership, while Gallants must find a response quickly as they look to move away from the bottom of the table.