Sports Correspondent

Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a powerful statement in the Betway Premiership title race with a dominant 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win saw Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points over the Buccaneers, albeit with one more match played.

From the outset, the game was a tactical battle, with both teams initially taking a cautious approach. However, Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Grant Kekana put the home side ahead. A well-taken free-kick by Marcelo Allende found Kekana, who struck a shot that hit the underside of the crossbar. The ball bounced over the goal line before spinning back into play, but the linesman correctly awarded the goal, giving Sundowns an early 1-0 lead.

Five minutes later, Sundowns had a chance to double their advantage. Another set-piece, this time from a corner by Teboho Mokoena, found an unmarked Lucas Suarez. However, Suarez’s header was well saved by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, keeping the Buccaneers in the game.

In the 27th minute, Sundowns extended their lead to 2-0 in spectacular fashion. Lucas Ribeiro, showing both strength and pace, pounced on a loose ball in his own half, powering through the Pirates defense before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net for a brilliant solo goal.

Pirates’ first real chance of the game came late in the first half when Deon Hotto missed the target after being set up by Paseka Mako. Sundowns were also denied a third goal as Peter Shalulile’s close-range effort was saved by Chaine at his near post.

The Buccaneers managed to pull one back in the 57th minute. Hotto, linking up with Evidence Makgopa, fired off a shot that appeared to be heading wide. However, a deflection off a Sundowns defender sent the ball looping over goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, bringing the score to 2-1 and briefly reigniting hope for the visitors.

But Sundowns quickly regained control, and just before the hour mark, Ribeiro completed his brace to restore the two-goal cushion. After a clever setup from Iqraam Rayners, Ribeiro made no mistake, dispatching a precise left-footed shot just outside the penalty area to make it 3-1.

In the 78th minute, Sundowns put the final nail in the coffin with a stunning strike from Mokoena. Given plenty of time and space outside the box, Mokoena unleashed a powerful right-footed drive that flew past Chaine, securing a 4-1 victory for the Brazilians.

The result was a comprehensive performance from Sundowns, who dominated possession and showcased clinical finishing throughout. The win sees them maintain their place at the top of the Premiership, with a significant gap now between them and their rivals, Pirates. With the title race heating up, Mamelodi Sundowns have once again proven why they are the team to beat this season.