Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango started on the bench as Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a resounding statement of intent with a dominant 4-1 victory over rivals Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld, solidifying their position atop the Betway Premiership standings.
The match, framed by Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso as a “state of the nation address,” saw the Brazilians showcase their championship credentials, leaving the Sea Robbers reeling.
Sundowns now hold a commanding nine-point lead in the league, having won all seven of their matches since Cardoso took the helm.
While Pirates remain second on the log, they face increasing pressure to close the gap. Despite the loss, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro stressed the importance of focusing on their own performance and accumulating points against other opponents, rather than solely fixating on Sundowns.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to its billing, with both teams entering the match fresh off victories in their respective derbies.
However, it was Sundowns who seized control from the outset, dictating the tempo and showcasing their superior midfield prowess, led by the influential Teboho Mokoena.
Grant Kekana opened the scoring for Sundowns early in the first half with a powerful strike that ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar. Lucas Ribeiro then doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance, dribbling past four Pirates defenders before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Ribeiro’s performance throughout the match cemented his status as a player for the big occasions.
Pirates showed signs of life in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when Hotto’s shot took a deflection and found the back of the net, briefly giving the visitors hope.
However, Sundowns quickly extinguished any comeback hopes as Ribeiro struck again, restoring their two-goal advantage.
With Pirates pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Sundowns capitalized on the open space, and Mokoena sealed the victory with a thunderous strike, leaving Chaine with no chance.
The match also saw its share of controversy, with referee Thando Ndzandzeka facing the wrath of the Sundowns faithful for some questionable calls.
