Sundowns Miss Top Spot After Draw

Mamelodi Sundowns missed a golden opportunity to reclaim top spot in the Betway Premiership after being held to a goalless draw by Richards Bay at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday, just hours after Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1–1 draw.

A win would have taken Sundowns to 60 points after 25 matches, two clear of Pirates. Instead, they remain second on 58 points, one behind Pirates, who have played a game more.

Sundowns came into the match full of confidence, having previously won all their encounters against Richards Bay. It was also their first appearance at this venue since the 2010 Nedbank Cup first round, where they defeated Inland FC 3–1 — 16 years ago.

On that occasion, Trott Moloto, now part of Sundowns’ management, was in charge, while Inland were coached by the late Roger Sikhakhane, who later had a stint with Thanda Royal Zulu, guiding them to promotion in the 2016/17 season. Sikhakhane also coached Richards Bay in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Sundowns went on to lose 1–0 to AmaZulu in the Ke Yona Cup semi-final at Kings Park Stadium during that campaign.

They were further boosted ahead of kick-off by news of the Soweto Derby draw, which presented a clear chance to climb to the top of the table. Few would have bet against them, given their run of 10 consecutive league victories before a draw with Stellenbosch in their previous outing.

They also recently reached the CAF Champions League final for the second consecutive season.

However, they faced a resilient Richards Bay side that had lost just once at this venue — against Orbit College in October, in a match remembered for a controversial goal by Monnapule Saleng, who has since joined Sundowns.

Richards Bay had also beaten Chiefs 1–0 and held Pirates to an entertaining 2–2 draw last month.

Ahead of the clash, Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane had insisted his side would not roll over for Sundowns, emphasising their ambition to compete for a top-eight finish rather than doing any favours for title rivals.

They backed up those words with a disciplined performance, effectively disrupting Sundowns’ passing rhythm.

Sundowns suffered an early setback when Arthur Sales was forced off in the first half with a shoulder injury, with Saleng coming on as his replacement.

The match developed into a midfield battle, with few clear-cut chances. Iqraam Rayners and Tashreeq Matthews both came close for Sundowns, but their efforts were off target.

Richards Bay nearly broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Sanele Barns latched onto a through ball and beat Ronwen Williams, who was off his line. Barns squared the ball to Lundi Mahala, but just as he was about to shoot, Keanu Cupido produced a crucial tackle to deny a certain goal.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso introduced Teboho Mokoena and PSL all-time leading goalscorer Peter Shalulile in search of a breakthrough. Despite increased urgency, Richards Bay remained resolute against Sundowns’ attacking threats.

Barns, a constant threat since returning on loan from Stellenbosch, came close again but fired straight at Williams. He later had another opportunity but saw his attempted lob drift over the bar.

Shalulile had a late chance to snatch victory for Sundowns, turning inside the box before firing wide — a significant missed opportunity.

In the end, Sundowns were left to rue missed chances, while Richards Bay celebrated a historic result — their first-ever point against Sundowns after losing their previous 10 encounters.