Sundowns navigate tricky weather in Attredgville en route to PSL record
Sundowns recorded eight straight wins this season and broke a record of going unbeaten in 32 straight league matches.
Wet weather couldn’t stop Mamelodi Sundowns from thrashing Stellenbosch at Lucas Moripe stadium on Wednesday evening.
Masandawana continued the winning start to the league as they recorded their eighth straight win at home against Stellenbosch FC.
Despite conceding early, the Tshwane giants came back to beat Stellies 3-1.
Goals from Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba and Siyabonga Mabena were enough to overturn an early deficit and see Bafana Ba Style continue the early season trend of winning all of their domestic league matches.
Rain and lightning in surrounding areas meant there was a delay to kick-off, with the match delayed by 30 minutes before conditions were suitable for action to get underway.
Masandawana were put in a tricky situation early on as they conceded only their third league goal of the season in the 14th minute when Devin Titus tapped home a rebound from close range.
The goal would mark the first time Downs have gone behind in the league this season, testing their resolve in tricky midweek conditions.
Masandawana looked to work their way back into the game immediately, with Bongani Zungu and Junior Mendieta pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
But it was defender Grant Kekana who came closest to scoring with an effort that flashed across the face of goal as he escaped his man in the box from a corner.
Kekana’s chance would prove an ominous warning as he would pop up a few minutes later to level matters, cleverly lobbing Sage Stephens in the Stellenbosch goal.
The pressure kept on piling up for Sundowns as the game proceeded but with endurance, team work they were duly rewarded.
Aubrey Modiba converted a free kick, leaving the keeper no chance and giving Ka Bo Yellow the lead.
The half would end with the Brazilians having overturned the deficit.
In the second half, Downs created more chances, with winger Thapelo Maseko threatening down the left but his two shots on target were blocked.
Thapelo Morena and Modiba both came close to extending the lead as their efforts flashed over the crossbar.
Coach Rulani rang the changes with 20 minutes to go, introducing Lebohang Maboe and Sphelele Mkhulise to the fray, the latter making his return to action after a lengthy injury layoff.
Khuliso Mudau and youngster Siyabonga Mabena would make their way onto the pitch shortly after as Masandawana looked to seal the win.
Things got better for the team in yellow on the stroke of full-time as 16-year-old Siyabonga Mabena scored his first-ever Mamelodi Sundowns goal.
The youngster tucked away a simple chance after incredibly unselfish play from striker and captain on the evening, Peter Shalulile.
The win marked the best-ever start to a league campaign for Masandawana, who have collected all available 24 points from their games to maintain their position at the summit of the table.
Masandawana will return to action on Saturday in the second-leg qualifier of the CAF Champions League against Bumamuru.
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