Mamelodi Sundowns stay in control at Stellenbosch

The goals have yet to start flowing for reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns but Masandawana dominated during Saturday’s 1-0 Betway Premiership victory at Stellenbosch FC.

Peter Shalulile’s penalty kick in first half stoppage time was enough for the visitors to secure three points at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Hosts Stellenbosch failed to put a single shot on target as Sundowns dominated possession and smothered a potentially challenging opponent.

Stellenbosch came out with energy and captain Devin Titus sent an early chance off target but that was as good as it got for the hosts. From then on the Stellies defense came under siege with goalkeeper Sage Stephens doing well to keep out attempts from Shalulile and Arthur Sales.

However, after Shalulile was pulled down by Henri Stanic just inside the penalty area for a penalty kick close to halftime, Stephens was powerless to stop the Namibian’s spot kick as he fired in off the crossbar. The second half was pure dominance as Sundowns kept Stellies out of arms’ reach even if they failed to find another goal.

Sundowns move into first place for the time being, one point ahead of Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs who are both set to kick off their Saturday fixtures in the next half hour. In the other early game, Magesi FC and AmaZulu played to a 1-1 draw while Siwelele and Richards Bay played to a scoreless draw in the only game on Friday.

Sundowns next host Magesi on September 14 after the upcoming international break. Stellenbosch, struggling with only four points from five games, will next battle for silverware when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 cup final on September 13.