In a Tshwane Derby full of quality and excitement, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated SuperSport United 2-0 in their opening match of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.
As a result, Masandawana claimed the Tshwane Derby bragging rights, which was expected by many football fanatics, as they are accustomed to this derby-producing goals galore.
Second-half goals from Iqraam Rayners [62nd minute] and Lucas Ribeiro [65th minute] were enough for The Brazilians to secure maximum points from home.
Below are the talking points from this showpiece.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS MEET SUPERSPORT UNITED FOR THE FIFTH TIME IN THEIR OPENING GAME
The Chloorkop-based outfit met Matsatsantsa in their opening game of the campaign for a fifth time.
The two sides previously locked horns in their opening matches in the 2000, 2001, 2017 and 2019 seasons. In fact, no team in PSL history has faced an opponent more often on matchday one.
COACH GAVIN HUNT SUSPENDED
SuperSport mentor Gavin Hunt had to watch the game from the stands due to his one-match suspension. The coach received a red card in their MTN8 quarter-final encounter against Orlando Pirates last month.
In addition, Matsatsantsa have won only two of their previous eight campaign openers under the tutelage of Hunt in the SA elite league.
In those eight games, they managed to win two, draw four and lose two in the process.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS UNBEATEN IN 16 SEASON-OPENERS
The reigning league champions, Sundowns, came into this tie unbeaten in 16 season-openers since succumbing to a defeat to AmaZulu in 2007. This is the longest run for any PSL side on matchday one.
In those 16 season-openers, Bafana Ba Style secured 11 wins and drew five. With tonight’s game outcome, Sundowns maintained their unbeaten run of season-openers.
SUPERSPORT UNITED NOT CLINICAL
Matsatsantsa were not clinical in front of goal, with Sundowns looking to be the better team on the night, given the scoreline.
The visitors couldn’t shake things up and take control of the game and they hardly created many goalscoring chances.
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