Leon Nets Hat-trick As Sundowns Survive Siwelele Scare
Mamelodi Sundowns kept their Betway Premiership title hopes firmly in their own hands after defeating Siwelele 7-4 in an entertaining 11-goal thriller at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.
The Brazilians came into the match under pressure following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the same venue in midweek. They were hoping to improve their goal difference, but conceding four goals may complicate that objective with only one game remaining.
Sundowns were ruthless in attack, scoring five goals in the first half before adding two more after the break. Brayan Leon netted a hat-trick, while Tashreeq Matthews scored twice. Teboho Mokoena also found the back of the net, while Nyiko Mobbie added an own goal.
Siwelele managed to score once in the first half before adding three more after the break. Ghampani Lunga scored a hat-trick for the visitors, while Relebogile Mokhuoane also got on the scoresheet.
The last time Sundowns won a league match by more than five goals was during the 2021/22 season when they thrashed Golden Arrows 6-0.
The defending champions now move to 68 points, six ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates. However, the Buccaneers could reduce the gap to three points if they defeat Magesi FC on Saturday evening.
Miguel Cardoso’s side are chasing a ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title, while Pirates are aiming to end their long wait for league success, having last lifted the trophy in the 2011/12 season.
This is the only Premier Soccer League trophy still available for Sundowns this season after they missed out on the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Nedbank Cup.
Should Sundowns fail to win the league, it would mark the first time since the 2012/13 campaign that they finish a season without lifting a PSL competition trophy. In that season, Kaizer Chiefs won the league and the Nedbank Cup, Platinum Stars claimed the Carling Knockout, and Moroka Swallows lifted the MTN8.
The Brazilians will conclude their league campaign on Tuesday with an away clash against TS Galaxy. The last time Sundowns faced Galaxy in Mpumalanga, they suffered a 2-0 defeat in the Nedbank Cup.
