Mailula on the mark again as Sundowns move ten points clear

Cassius Mailula continued his fine goalscoring form for Mamelodi Sundowns as they proved too good for Richards Bay in a 2-0 DStv Premiership win at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.

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Mailula netted his fifth goal in as many league matches with an excellent finish as Sundowns moved ten points clear at the top of the table, their ninth league victory on the spin keeping them well on track for a sixth straight title

Sundowns dominated for most of the game against a Richards Bay side that have punched above their weight this season, the newly-promoted Natal Rich Boys remaining in third place on the standings after Friday’s loss.

The home side had their moments, especially at the start of the second haf, but Haashim Domingo effectively killed off the match with a close range finish, after some sloppy goalkeeping from Jamal.

Mailula and Themba Zwane have formed a brilliant understanding in attack for the league leaders, and the youngster almost set up Zwane for the opener in the 8^th minute, with a wonderful back heel.

Zwane’s effort, however, was saved at his near post by Salim Jamal.

Mailula and Zwane combined again ten minutes later, and this time Zwane really should have scored, but again Jamal denied him.

In the 39^th minute, however, Mailula was not to be denied as he anticipated Aubrey Modiba’s pass and lifted a brilliant volleyed finish over Jamal.

The home side made a double substitution at half time, with Luvuyo Memela and Yamela Mbuthuma coming on. And the two almost combined for an equaliser early in the second half, with Memela’s free kick missed by Ronwen Williams but also by Mbuthuma

Williams then had to show sharp reflexes to keep out an effort from Sanele Barns, after a fine move from the home side.

But it was Sundowns who doubled their lead in the 66^th minute. Jamal was responsible for a really poor throw out from goal and Sundowns seized on their chance, Mailula and Marcos Allende combining for the latter to fire in a shot that Jamal could only palm into the path of Domingo.

In last night’s other match, Moroka Swallows picked up their first win under new coach Ernst Middendorp, beating Chippa United 2-0.