Betway Premiership: Ribeiro inspires decisive Sundowns victory over Pirates

Long time reigning South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns took a big step forward in their quest to defend the crown and continued dominance with Saturday’s 4-1 home victory over Betway Premiership challengers Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

The Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria played host to a match that saw hosts Sundowns jump on their opponents early with a strong first half performance led by their South American imports. Chilean creative midfielder Marcelo Allende set up the opening goal in the 13th minute with a free kick service that found Grant Kekana for a volley in off the crossbar.

Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro then stole the spotlight in the 27th minute after receiving a Teboho Mokoena pass and driving away from the pursuit of the Pirates defense before finishing with class past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The Bucs came out inspired in the second half and pulled one back through Deon Hotto’s 57th minute effort that took a kind deflection on its way past Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams.

But Ribeiro quickly dampened any hopes of a comeback by completing a brilliant precision strike from Masandawana, side footing an accurate finish past Chaine after Iqraam Rayners took down a long ball and set up the Brazilian. Ribeiro then set up Mokoena for a trademark powerful strike to complete an efficient performance by the champions.

Sundowns now take a substantial lead at the top with nine points separating them from the Buccaneers. Pirates have played one less match but now have an uphill battle to keep up with a Sundowns team that is pulling away and finding their form under coach Miguel Cardoso.

Elsewhere, last placed Magesi FC earned their first win since late November’s shock Carling Knockout Cup triumph over Sundowns by defeating Cape Town City 2-0. In the final two matches to complete Saturday’s action, Richards Bay host third placed Polokwane City while TS Galaxy duel with Chippa United.

League Table (Top-5)