Mamelodi Sundowns on the brink of Betway Premiership glory

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step towards securing the Betway Premiership trophy with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday, May 11. This comprehensive win places them 15 points clear at the top of the league table, as they eye their latest league title with just three matches remaining.

With only 15 points left to be contested, Sundowns now find themselves in a commanding position, needing just four points from their final three fixtures to clinch the title. The victory over Stellenbosch follows a dominant run for the Brazilians, who have demonstrated their supremacy in the league with successive wins against Richards Bay (3-0), Cape Town City (2-0), and Chippa United (3-0) within an intense eight-day period.

For Stellenbosch, managed by Steve Barker, the focus was on maintaining pressure in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Currently, they sit a mere point ahead of Sekhukhune United, who remain in third but with a game in hand.

The match kicked off in spectacular fashion for the home side, who capitalised on a crucial mistake by Stellenbosch goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke. The keeper’s decision to pick up a backpass earned Sundowns an indirect free-kick inside the box. Lucas Ribeiro seized upon this early opportunity, converting the set-piece into the opening goal just six minutes into the match, thanks to a clever layoff from Tashreeq Matthews.

Sundowns wasted no time in extending their lead, and just six minutes later, Ribeiro turned from scorer to provider. After a high press won them back possession, he set up Iqraam Rayners, who scored with precision, leaving the Stellies reeling. Within just 18 minutes, Sundowns had established a comfortable 3-0 lead. Enyinnaya Godswill’s attempt to clear a long ball only diverted it into the path of Arthur Sales, whose shot took an unfortunate deflection off Thabo Moloisane and left Masuluke stranded.

Although Denis Onyango, the veteran Sundowns goalkeeper, was largely untroubled throughout the first half, he was called into action following the flurry of goals. Onyango showcased his experience and skill, making a series of key saves, including a long-range effort that tested his reflexes on 36 minutes and a direct free-kick just after the break in the 52nd minute.

The 65th minute saw him at his very best, completing a double save to deny the visitors as they sought to break their 18-month league goal drought against Sundowns. His performance culminated in his fifth clean sheet in just nine starts this season, further solidifying Bafana ba Style’s daunting defensive record that boasts a mere 13 goals conceded in 26 games.

As the curtain closes on this season and with the trophy tantalisingly close, Mamelodi Sundowns stand ready to reclaim their position as champions of South African football, all while Stellenbosch must regroup and push for their continental ambitions in the league’s concluding matches.