Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed top spot in the Betway Premiership, moving three points clear of Orlando Pirates after a 2-0 victory against Orbit College FC on Tuesday night at the Olympic Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
The Brazilians collected maximum points thanks to a second-half blitz, with goals from Miguel Reisinho and Iqraam Rayners moving the defending champions to 47 points after 20 matches.
Masandawana entered the tie under immense pressure to reclaim the top spot from arch-rivals Pirates. Both sides began the day locked on 44 points, but the Buccaneers held the advantage at the summit courtesy of a superior goal difference. Knowing that only a win would suffice, the Tshwane giants delivered a controlled performance to move three points clear of the chasing pack.
In a tactical move, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso opted for a refreshed starting XI. The line-up featured a highly anticipated first start for January marquee signing Monnapule Saleng, while Fawaaz Basadien was also handed a rare opportunity to impress in the defensive backline.
Sundowns made their intentions clear from the first whistle, carving open the North West-based side’s defence within the opening five minutes. However, the visitors lacked the clinical edge in the final third. Both Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales failed to convert clear-cut scoring opportunities that could have settled the contest early.
SUNDOWNS’ FIRST-HALF GOAL FLAGGED FOR OFFSIDE
The Brazilians thought they had found the breakthrough in the 9th minute when Iqraam Rayners slotted home from a Monnapule Saleng delivery. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the former Stellenbosch FC talisman was flagged for offside. Despite a dominant and eventful opening period, the two sides went into the interval deadlocked at 0-0.
The Chloorkop-based side continued where they left off after resuming the second half with high intensity. As a result, they scored the opening goal in the 48th minute through Miguel Reisinho. It was the latter’s first goal at Sundowns in the league and second in all competitions.
Sundowns doubled their advantage in the 60th minute. This was after Khuliso Mudau was clumsily brought down in the box by Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Rayners stepped up to clinically dispatch the resulting penalty, effectively putting the game beyond reach.
The Brazilians held firm to complete the league double over Orbit College.
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