Mamelodi Sundowns have once again proven their dominance in South African football by clinching an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title. The Brazilians secured the championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United in a Betway Premiership clash at Buffalo City Municipality Stadium on Wednesday night.
Iqraam Rayners, who scored his 14th goal of the season, leveled with teammate Ribeiro at the top of the goal-scoring charts. Rayners opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a brilliant strike into the top corner, showcasing his attacking prowess. Sundowns continued to dominate the game, with Lucas Ribeiro and Rayners posing a constant threat to the Chippa goal.
Arthur Sales, who came off the bench, sealed the win for Sundowns with a brace in the second half. His first goal came in the 69th minute, a fortunate deflection that caught the Chippa goalkeeper off guard. Sales capitalized on a defensive error by Johnson to secure his second goal on the stroke of full time.
The victory not only secured the league title but also marked Miguel Cardoso’s first piece of silverware as the head coach of Sundowns. Since taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi in December, Cardoso has led the team to an impressive record of 17 wins, two defeats, and one draw in 20 league matches.
Looking ahead, Sundowns have their sights set on their final game of the season against Magesi FC, where they aim to equal last season’s total of 73 points. Following the domestic campaign, the team will shift their focus to the two-legged CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC of Egypt later this month.
With their recent success and continued momentum, Mamelodi Sundowns are undoubtedly the team to beat in South African football. The combination of talent, tactics, and determination has solidified their status as the country’s top footballing powerhouse, setting the stage for further achievements in the seasons to come.
