Scintillating Sundowns triumph over Golden Arrows
The defending champions showcased their prowess and solidified their position in the DStv Premiership, winning their third match in succession to maintain their top spot in the log standings.
Mamelodi Sundowns struck gold on Tuesday evening, earning a resounding 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the DStv Premiership.
The win was a demonstration of the team’s fierce determination and unwavering focus, demonstrating their undeniable strength and skill on the field.
The match was a thrilling display of football prowess, showcasing the power and finesse of the Brazilians.
From the first whistle to the last, Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the play with an astounding 71% possession.
The Brazilians were fierce in their attacks, making 18 shots, with nine of those on target.
In contrast, Golden Arrows struggled to keep up, only managing three shots with two on target.
In the first half alone, the dynamic Sundowns scored three goals, displaying their incredible strength and skill on the field.
The visitors were left struggling to keep up, unable to match the ferocity of their opponents.
In a post-match interview, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena reflected on the one-sided encounter, sharing insights into the team’s approach to the game.
“We are constantly working on our team’s approach to the game and looking for new ways to play with creativity and flair,” Mokwena said.
He said while the performance was good, he believed the team had played better last season.
“Against Sekhukhune, for example, we played at a higher level,” Mokwena pointed out.
Mokwena noted the team’s consistent ability to limit the opposition’s chances on goal.
“We have shown tremendous defensive strength over the last four games, only allowing an average of one chance per match.”
He said in the case of Sekhukhune, “The goal they scored was the result of a mistake we shouldn’t have made”.
“Against Chiefs, it was the same story. Swallows, likewise, found it difficult to get shots or crosses into the box,” Mokwena said.
The defending champions showcased their prowess and solidified their position in the DStv Premiership, winning their third match in succession to maintain their top spot in the log standings.
Bafana Ba Style have scored the most goals in the league, eight in total by five different players – Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Neo Maema, Grant Kekana, Lesiba Nku and Peter Shalulile.
Kekana scored his first for Masandawana since the 2021-22 season while the newly signed Nku played for 90 minutes and concluded his game with a brace.
Mokwena praised former Gallants player Nku for his seamless integration into the team.
“Nku has been welcomed and well-received by his teammates. The guys are a great bunch of human beings, and Nku has shown humility.
“I know when we signed him there were a lot of questions, but it shows what trust can do.
“Sometimes, South Africans are not patient, but I’m glad Miguel had such a strong performance in his first start.”
As Masandawana continue to refine their team with each season, coach Mokwena’s keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the Sundowns’ culture has been invaluable to the club’s scouting team.
The coach said that they look beyond mere statistics and assess a player’s adaptability and tactical intelligence.
“More than just evaluating a player’s on-field prowess, we also consider character and work ethic – key factors that contribute to a player’s long-term success with the team,” Mokwena explained.
“A lot of work goes into the process of selecting players, starting with defining what we want to achieve tactically, then assessing a player’s potential to fit into our system and grow with the team.”
He said human qualities are also key. “We spent a lot of time evaluating Miguel’s character and work ethic”.
With less than 30 minutes left to play, Namibian international Shalulile picked up an injury and was carried off by medical staff and young Siyanda Nyanga was called to finish the task as he came onto the field.
Junior Mendieta, who had come on for Rivaldo Coetzee, was instrumental in putting pressure on the Arrows’ last line and nearly beat Isima Watenga when he put his foot to the bouncing ball in the final third.
Abafana Bes’thende were unable to find a foothold throughout the match with Downs’ defence and midfield shutting down their attempts to mount a comeback.
The final whistle signalled a well-deserved 4-0 victory for Bafana Ba Style as they continued their winning momentum.
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