Mailula fires Sundowns to victory as Mudau suffers severe injury

Cassius Mailula scored again as Mamelodi Sundowns beat struggling Marumo Gallants 2-0 in the Betway Premiership at Loftus on Wednesday, although the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to defender Khuliso Mudau.

The result moved Sundowns up to third place and kept them within touching distance of leaders Orlando Pirates and second-placed Kaizer Chiefs. Malibongwe Khoza opened the scoring before Mailula struck for the third time in four matches in all competitions.

Mailula has returned to Chloorkop after difficult spells in the United States, Morocco and Belgium, and his latest goal continued an encouraging run since rejoining the Brazilians.

Sundowns also extended their unbeaten home league run to 31 matches. That sequence stretches back to the end of the 2023-24 season, when they were beaten by Cape Town City.

That defeat prevented Rulani Mokwena’s side from being labelled the ‘Invincibles’. On the final day of the campaign, Jaedin Rhodes capitalised on a second-half mistake by Mothobi Mvala to secure victory for Cape Town City.

The early-season Betway Premiership table remains tightly packed at the top. Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu all have seven points from three matches.

For Marumo Gallants, the defeat leaves coach Phuti Mohafe’s side at the foot of the standings. Gallants have one point, the same total as Kruger United and Siwelele FC.

Sundowns took the lead in the 21st minute after a short corner created confusion inside the Gallants penalty area. Bathusi Aubaas headed the ball into the path of Khoza, whose close-range effort took a touch off defender Yanga Madiba before entering the net as an own goal.

Gallants came close to an equaliser shortly after the half-hour mark. Mxolisi Sikakane met a cross with a close-range header, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted quickly and dived to his right to make the save.

The hosts then lost Mudau shortly before half-time. The dependable right-back, who represents Bafana Bafana, was carried from the field on a stretcher and replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso described the injury as “very, very severe” during his post-match interview. Reports have suggested that Mudau suffered an Achilles tendon tear.

Despite that setback, Sundowns remained in control and sealed the points in the 67th minute. The Gallants defence switched off, allowing Mailula to create space before producing a composed finish with his weaker left foot to beat goalkeeper Lako.

The victory gives Sundowns an important three points in a congested title race, while Gallants remain without a win and face an early battle to move away from the bottom of the table.