Mamelodi Sundowns made it five wins in a row, defeating Richards Bay FC with a narrow 1-0 scoreline at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.
They remain the only side to have won all their DStv Premiership games this season.
Here are the major talking points from the match between the league champions and last season’s new boys.
JUNIOR MENDIETA SCORES IN HIS FIRST START
One of the new signings Junior Mendieta opened his account at Sundowns in his first start. He gave the Brazilians a lead in the 10th minute. The assist came from the Brazilian winger Ribeiro Costa.
Mendieta was the only change in Rulani Mokwena’s side, replacing the club’s captain Themba Zwane. ‘Mshishi’ who usually doesn’t start on the bench was among the substitutes on the day. He only came on in the 88th minute for the captain of the day Tebogo Mokoena.
RICHARDS BAY PRESSING AND NOT SITTING BACK
Despite knowing that they were playing a rampant side, the hosts never showed intentions of sitting at the back and waiting for Downs to come at them. Whenever the Tshwane giants were in possession of the ball, Kaitano Tembo’s men would press high up to deny them space to combine.
However, at times, it proved to be a dangerous game for Bay as Sundowns would pose threats when they jumped the centre line and having a numerical advantage up front.
SOMILA NTSUNDWANA RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
The Natal Rich Boyz forward Somila Ntsundwana was rushed to the hospital after he got a knock towards the end of the first half. He was then replaced by Sakhile Hlongwa.
RIBEIRO COSTA’S AGILITY AND STRENGTH
Costa, 24, looks to be settling in well in the Sundowns system. The team has been benefitting from his unpredictable runs. He troubles defenders with his strength as it seems like he’s not easy to mark. He combines with Marcelo Allende and Lesiba Nku.
The former SK Beveren star has already scored two goals and recorded one assist in just four appearances in South Africa.
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