Sundowns Edge Closer To PSL Title After Dominant Win Over Richards Bay

Fresh from their CAF Champions League semifinal triumph in Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step towards another PSL league title, extending their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table to 12 points with a comfortable 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Richards Bay at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday.

Having competed in a high-intensity Champions League second-leg semi-final match against Al Ahly in Cairo just days prior, Sundowns didn’t need to exert themselves fully in Pretoria. Richards Bay offered little threat, failing to trouble goalkeeper Denis Onyango throughout the encounter.

The win propelled Sundowns to 58 points after 23 matches, a commanding 12 points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who suffered a surprise defeat to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on the same evening.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso opted for several changes to the lineup against Richards Bay, notably resting Ronwen Williams completely. This decision likely stemmed from the team’s exertions in securing their place in the Champions League final on Friday, where they overcame Al Ahly on away goals.

Sundowns are now set to face another Egyptian side, Pyramids FC, in the two-legged Champions League final next month.

Against Richards Bay, an opponent they have consistently dominated in recent history, winning their previous seven encounters across all competitions with 14 goals scored and only two conceded, Sundowns quickly asserted their dominance.

The 15th goal in that impressive run arrived early, in the eighth minute. Teboho Mokoena’s incisive pass bypassed the Richards Bay defense, allowing Arthur Sales to open his body and slot the ball past Ian Otieno at the near post.

Sales also scored the opening goal in the reverse fixture in Durban in December, finding the net in the 19th minute. His fellow Brazilian attacker, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, completed the scoring in the second half of that match, securing a 2-0 victory for Sundowns.

After a stinging shot from Mokoena tested Otieno’s handling, Sundowns continued to control the game’s tempo. Their second goal arrived in the 28th minute when Tashreeq Matthews’s cross was cleverly flicked on by Iqraam Rayners. The ball evaded the outstretched arms of the Kenyan goalkeeper, resulting in a straightforward goal for the home side.

Sundowns maintained their dominance, effectively camping in Richards Bay’s half, probing for further opportunities to extend their lead. The match resembled a training exercise at times, with Richards Bay struggling to gain possession.

The third goal for Sundowns came just three minutes after the restart, in the 48th minute. Marcelo Allende placed the ball between Otieno’s legs at the near post, underscoring the significant gulf in quality between the two teams.

A subtle touch from Sales played a crucial role in setting up the Chilean international, who once had ties to Arsenal in England, for the third goal.

The Natal Rich Boys faced an uphill battle, particularly given their poor away form outside of KwaZulu-Natal, with their only away victory this season coming against Golden Arrows in the KZN Derby back in December.

Sundowns’ seemingly effortless march towards another league title was further aided by Sekhukhune United’s victory over Pirates, who had been clinging to hopes of challenging Sundowns for this year’s championship.

As has been the pattern for the past four years, it appears to be only a matter of time before Sundowns once again lift the coveted PSL league trophy. The trophy for this year’s title, which was previously sponsored by DStv and is now under Betway’s sponsorship, remains undisclosed to the public. Nevertheless, Sundowns’ reign of dominance in South Africa’s most prestigious football league continues.