Sundowns move six points clear at top of Betway Premiership

Mamelodi Sundowns moved six points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Siwelele FC at Loftus on Wednesday.

The result was Sundowns’ fifth consecutive league win and lifted them to 19 points from seven matches. They could extend their advantage over second-placed Orlando Pirates to nine points on Saturday.

Pirates are involved in Champions League commitments this week and will not return to domestic league action until next Thursday, when they host Durban City in Soweto.

Sundowns secured the three points through goals from attackers Kutlwano Letlhaku, Siyanda Ndlovu and Tashreeq Matthews. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also kept a clean sheet as the league leaders maintained their strong start to the campaign.

Miguel Cardoso’s side will try to increase the pressure on Pirates when they travel to face Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City on Saturday.

For Siwelele caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa, the defeat leaves his side second from bottom with two points from six matches. There will be little time to address the problems, with Siwelele due to host Golden Arrows at the Free State Stadium in their next league fixture on Saturday.

Cardoso had rested regular starters Grant Kekana, Fawaaz Basadien, Siyanda Ndlovu, Tashreeq Matthews and Marcelo Allende in recent matches as he managed his squad during a demanding period.

That approach created opportunities for Khulumani Ndamane, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Malibongwe Khoza, Sphelele Mkhulise and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

Mosoetsa, who was appointed during the week to replace the sacked Lehlohonolo Seeema, selected key players including Thabiso Sesane, Relebogile Mokhouane, Selaelo Rasebotja, Cristian Saile and Vincent Pule.

Sundowns controlled possession during the opening 15 matches but struggled to turn that dominance into goals. Brayan Leon, Cassius Mailula, Letlhaku and Antonio van Wyk all missed chances as the hosts failed to make their pressure count.

The home side had not been at their best in the first half, prompting Cardoso to make a change. Mothobi Mvala made his long-awaited return when he replaced the ineffective Ndamane.

Mosoetsa responded by sending on attacker Sphesihle Jeza for Neo Mokhachane in an attempt to put greater pressure on the Sundowns defence, but the adjustment did not produce the desired result.

Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock after 57 minutes. A powerful shot from Mokoena struck the crossbar and rebounded into the area, with goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni beaten. Letlhaku reacted quickest to finish from close range.

Ndlovu then doubled the advantage with a close-range effort after capitalising on a defensive error by Aphiwe Baliti and beating Mthombeni.

Matthews completed the scoring late in the match after Ndlovu released him, giving Sundowns a convincing victory and preserving their unbeaten defensive record on the night.

After Saturday’s meeting with Chippa United, Sundowns will switch their focus to the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, where they face Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli at Loftus on 19 September.