Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City in their final DStv Premiership match of 2023.
This is their second successive draw. Sundowns were held to another goalless draw against Cape Town City on Christmas Eve.
City were kept backpedalling for the entire game, only holding 22 per cent ball possession. Downs enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. However, they were unable to breach a defence in a league game for the second time this season.
The result means they have won 11 of their 13 games and drew twice this season, maintaining an unbeaten run. Rise and Shine, on the other hand, placed ninth on the table, were picking their sixth draw. The top-flight league returnees have won five and drawn five games this season.
BOLD REFEREEING DECISION
For a moment, the stadium held its breath as Sundowns erupted in jubilation. Peter Shalulile had scored a goal from close range. But the celebrations were short-lived as referee Akhona Makhalima choked off the goal after consulting her assistant. Themba Zwane, Sundowns’ talisman, was judged guilty of a foul on City captain Bulelani Nikani. Sundowns’ officials were left in disbelief, and Makhalima had to explain to Coach Rulani Mokwena.
In his post-match interview, a disappointed Mokwena told SuperSport TV that “South African football is in big trouble…”.
OSWIN APPOLLIS MISSING
Oswin Appollis, Bafana Bafana’s newly minted star, was sidelined for Polokwane City’s epic clash. This was just days after his AFCON call-up. The dazzling winger, Polokwane’s undisputed talisman this season, has woven his magic in 17 games across all competitions. He has scored five goals and three assists. That translates to eight goal contributions, a testament to his uncanny ability to conjure up a goal every two games.
UNDEFEATED AT HOME
Despite the disappointing draw, Sundowns attained another historic achievement. They become the second PSL team to go through an entire calendar year undefeated at home across all competitions. The only other team to achieve this feat was Swallows FC in 2020.
In addition, Downs finish the year at the top of the log for the eighth time in the last 14 years. This is a truly dominant feat. This accomplishment extends their current streak of year-end table-toppers to four consecutive seasons. The only other teams to achieve this in recent years are Kaizer Chiefs [four times], Bidvest Wits [2018/19], and SuperSport United [2016/17].
Sundowns have also achieved the most wins by a PSL team in a calendar year, securing a staggering 39 victories out of 60 games played. This surpasses their previous record of 38 wins in 49 games set in 1999. Stats courtesy of Opta Jabu
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