Record-breaking Sundowns sink Stellies

Mamelodi Sundowns have set a new DStv Premiership record with a 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC at a wet Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The win stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 32 matches, surpassing Kaizer Chiefs’ record of 31 games they set in 2005.

Grant Kekana and Aubrey Modiba canceled out Devin Titus’ opener to complete the comeback. 16-year-old Siyabonga Mabena put the result beyond doubt with a tap in after being set up by Peter Shalulile injury time.

Kick-off was delayed by 35 minutes due to adverse weather conditions in Atteridgeville. Rulani Mokwena made seven changes to the team that beat Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 at the same venue.

Kekana, Musa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee and Shalulile the only survivors from the semi-final win over Amakhosi. The visitors drew first blood when Titus opened the scoring 13 minutes into the game.

Reyaad Pieterse parried Andre de Jong’s low shot into a dangerous area and Titus reacted the quickest to tap home with the Sundowns defence caught napping.

If the champions were to get an equaliser, it was likely to come from a set-piece as they struggled to play their normal passing game under the heavy downpour at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Kekana pulled one back after Stellenbosch failed to clear their lines from an Aubrey Modiba corner kick in the 34th minute.

Modiba magic

Modiba produced a moment of magic to put the Brazilians 2-1 ahead six minutes before the break with an expertly taken free-kick on the edge of the box that gave Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens no chance.

Steve Barker’s men came close to grabbing a second but Sihle Nduli’s effort shaved the crossbar with Pieterse rooted to his line minutes after the break.

Mabena rounded off the scoring with his first professional goal for the club but the damage was done in the opening 45 minutes as Sundowns maintained their perfect start to the season. 

The Chlookop-based side will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League where they will play Bumamuru of Burundi on Saturday.