Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a resounding statement with a dominant 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Stadium on Saturday, witnessed by footballing great Alessandro Nesta.

Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa shone with two goals, while Grant Kekana and Tebogo Mokoena also found the net for Sundowns. Deon Hotto scored a consolation goal for Pirates, briefly giving them hope at 2-1, but Sundowns quickly extinguished any comeback attempts with a clinical display.

The highly anticipated match pitted the top two teams in the league standings. Both sides have also performed well in the CAF Champions League, reaching the quarterfinals. While not a title decider due to the many remaining games, the encounter carried significant weight. Sundowns demonstrated why they have won the league seven consecutive times.

Despite the match’s prestige, the pitch was a major disappointment, marred by numerous brown patches, prompting some to joke that it looked like cows had grazed on it. Nevertheless, Sundowns adapted well, controlling the game from the outset and unsettling Pirates.

Their early dominance paid off in the 13th minute. A free-kick, taken after Relebohile Mofokeng lost his footing on the uneven surface and Patrick Maswanganyi fouled Marcelo Allende, found Kekana unmarked at the far post, who powerfully struck the ball under the crossbar.

New Sundowns defender Lucas Suarez nearly doubled the lead from a corner, but Sipho Chaine made a good save. Sundowns did extend their advantage in the 27th minute with a spectacular goal by Ribeiro Costa. Pirates lost possession in midfield, and Costa evaded several defenders before slotting the ball past Chaine.

The remainder of the first half became about damage limitation for Pirates, keen to avoid a repeat of their 6-0 thrashing at the same venue nine years prior. Chaine denied Peter Shalulile a goal, while Hotto missed a good chance for Pirates to pull a goal back before halftime.

The match was attended by former AC Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Nesta, a 2006 World Cup winner and 2007 Champions League winner, as the FIFA Club World Cup trophy is currently in South Africa. Sundowns will participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the US in June.

Pirates showed signs of improvement in the second half, and Hotto’s deflected shot, after a quick exchange with Evidence Makgopa, reduced the deficit in the 57th minute.

However, Sundowns quickly restored their two-goal lead just two minutes later. Ribeiro Costa beat Chaine with a turn and finish on the edge of the box, capitalizing on poor marking by Thapelo Xoki, who was also at fault for Costa’s first goal.

Pirates were forced to work hard again. Substitute Bathusi Aubaas went one-on-one with Chaine, but the Chaine made a crucial save. Sundowns sealed the victory in the 78th minute when Mokoena’s powerful strike left Chaine with no chance.

Chaine then made another excellent save to deny Tashreeq Matthews a fifth goal for Sundowns in the last minutes.

The win puts Sundowns on 42 points after 15 games, nine points clear of second-placed Pirates, who have 33 points from 14 matches.