Mamelodi Sundowns finish season unbeaten at home

Mamelodi Sundowns concluded their Betway Premiership campaign with an impressive home performance, rounding off the season with a flawless 2-0 victory over Magesi at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

The league champions remained unbeaten at home throughout the season, winning all fourteen of their league fixtures at their Pretoria fortress. This triumph marked a remarkable 24th win in the 2022/23 season, breaking the long-standing record for the most wins in a 34-game season, a feat previously held by Manning Rangers.

Sundowns wasted no time in establishing their dominance, opening the scoring as early as the fourth minute. Lucas Ribeiro, ever the predator in the box, deftly redirected Iqraam Rayners’ shot into the net for his 15th goal of the season. Ribeiro displayed his propensity for goal-scoring as he attempted to assist Rayners on two occasions. The first attempt saw Rayners’ header crash against the post, while the second came from a one-on-one situation that was thwarted by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

Ribeiro doubled down on his attacking prowess, scoring his second goal of the match in the 22nd minute, courtesy of a perfectly executed free-kick routine. Marcelo Allende’s clever pass across the edge of the box allowed Ribeiro the space to take a touch before curling a stunning shot into the top corner.

As the match progressed, Sundowns continued to apply pressure. In the 38th minute, a long-range free-kick from Tebogo Mokoena had Chipezeze in distress, striking the upright and leaving the fans desperate for another goal. Just five minutes before half-time, Allende’s corner found Lehlegonolo Mokone, whose header was directed towards Mosa Lebusa, only for the latter to send his shot soaring over the bar.

The second half saw substitute Peter Shalulile nearly scoring with an audacious bicycle kick attempt in the 63rd minute following an Arthur Sales cross, but the effort sailed wide. Shalulile is on the brink of tying Siyabonga Nomvete’s record for the most goals in South African top-flight history across all competitions, leading many to wonder if he will reach this milestone.

Despite the host’s dominance, Shalulile missed a golden opportunity in the closing minutes. In the 85th minute, he selflessly squared to Sales for what appeared to be a certain tap-in; however, the ball drifted wide of the post, much to the dismay of the Sundowns faithful.

With two goals on the day, Ribeiro not only solidified Sundowns’ win but also secured the Golden Boot award for this season, ending the campaign with 16 goals, pulling ahead of teammate Rayners.

 Sundowns then celebrated their league triumph, lifting the trophy and turning their attention towards the future, specifically the CAF Champions League final. The first leg against Egypt’s Pyramids FC is set to take place at Loftus Versfeld on 24 May.

Magesi, meanwhile, have a crucial date lined up against Marumo Gallants on 24 May, a match that could determine their fate as they seek to cement their place in the league for next season.