Mamelodi Sundowns have once again stamped their authority on South African football, claiming a historic eighth consecutive PSL title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday night.
The win not only reaffirmed their domestic dominance but also showcased the depth and quality of the squad, as head coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to the line up.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams returned between the posts, while Lucas Ribeiro, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, and Thapelo Morena were all restored to the starting lineup.
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The champions-elect wasted no time asserting themselves. In the 11th minute, Iqraam Rayners showcased his predatory instincts, finding space in the box before rifling a sensational strike into the top corner – his 14th goal of the season and a statement of intent.
Sundowns continued to suffocate Chippa with relentless pressure. Tashreeq Matthews came close just nine minutes later but curled his effort narrowly wide. Moments after, Lucas Ribeiro nearly doubled the lead with a sharp left-footed strike, only for Darren Johnson to pull off a superb low save.
Matthews had another bite at the cherry before the break, but again failed to convert. Despite dominating possession and territory, Sundowns went into halftime with just a one-goal cushion, as Chippa offered little resistance.
The second half played out like a training ground exercise for the visitors. Ribeiro was again in the thick of the action, forcing a goal-line clearance after a chaotic scramble in the box. Chippa’s only real moment of threat came via a long-range free-kick from Giovanni Philander, which flew just wide, with Williams caught slightly off-guard.
Coach Miguel Cardoso rang in the changes just after the hour mark as Arthur Sales and Peter Shalulile came on for Rayners and Ribeiro respectively. The move paid off instantly.
Barely settled, Sales stunned the hosts when what seemed to be a cross from the right turned into a rocket that sailed over Johnson and into the roof of the net. Whether intended or not, it was a goal worthy of a champion.
Chippa had a late opportunity to reduce the deficit through Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s header, but the effort went high, summing up their frustrating evening.
Fittingly, it was Sales who had the final say. With the clock winding down, he pounced on a sloppy pass from Johnson, muscled his way into space and coolly slotted home to cap off a performance that underlined Sundowns’ supremacy.
As the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted on the Sundowns bench-another league crown secured, another chapter written in their era of dominance.