Themba Zwane orchestrated a dominant performance for Mamelodi Sundowns, assisting all three goals in a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Loftus Stadium on Monday night.

This win brings Sundowns closer to securing another DStv Premiership title.

Zwane, despite surprisingly not scoring a league goal all season, set up both of Shalulile’s first-half strikes. The Sundowns captain then set up for Thembinkosi Lorch in the second half to opened his league scoring account for the club since joining from Orlando Pirates in the January transfer window.

The victory served as a much-needed pick-me-up for Sundowns after their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League semifinals, losing 2-0 on aggregate to ES Esperance. Despite the Champions League setback, Sundowns secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup next year, offering a silver lining.

Entering this match, Sundowns needed six points from their remaining eight league fixtures to mathematically clinch the title. This assumes victories against Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy.

This was the first league meeting between Sundowns and Galaxy this season. Their originally scheduled encounter in November was postponed due to Sundowns’ involvement in the African Football League, which they ultimately won. The return leg will now be played on 28 May at Mbombela Stadium after the rest of the league has concluded.

Galaxy hoped to replicate their 1-0 victory at Loftus Stadium last season, but those dreams were quickly dashed. Shalulile, who hasn’t been among the league’s top scorers this season, silenced Galaxy with a first-time finish in the 26th minute, expertly assisted by Zwane. This marked Shalulile’s first league goal since December.

Nine minutes later, Shalulile doubled the lead with a composed finish, again set up by a clever backheel assist from Zwane.

Sundowns dominated the remainder of the match, rediscovering the form that had been missing in recent games. Lorch added a third goal in the 64th minute, firing a powerful right-footed shot past the goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari after a pinpoint feed by Zwane.

Galaxy’s night turned sour when Orebotse Mongae received a red card in the 84th minute. Their misery compounded further when Bernard Parker, who suffered a broken foot against Sundowns earlier this season, missed a penalty saved by Ronwen Williams in added time.

Sundowns can potentially secure the league title as early as Wednesday if Stellenbosch fails to defeat Golden Arrows. With their superior goal difference, Sundowns are now in a strong position to repeat their feat of winning the title with seven games to spare, just like last season.