Pro Philani looks back at this weekend’s football action as Sundowns dominate Pirates, Royal AM outclass Chiefs and the race for survival.
Bones crash at the capital
In what was expected to be a huge fight turned into an embarrassing show for Orlando Pirates when they cracked into a humbling defeat at the hands of rivals and champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, at Loftus stadium in Pretoria.
The match came after Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi claimed to Liberian journalists and media “they’re at the same level as Sundowns with more support.”
In the first half, you would’ve believed Ncikazi’s words as they matched Sundowns in every department. Though Sundowns had more opportunities, Pirates were made to sweat and tire. In the second half, Sundowns showed their superiority as they tossed Pirates around in every set-play. The 4-1 scoreline became a true reflection of the game and in the end Sundowns opened a huge gap at the top to the chasing pack.
.@Masandawana co-coach @coach_rulani congratulates @orlandopirates of being "worthy opponents" and explains how his side had to switch up their tactics in the second half 👆@Velile_Mnyandu pic.twitter.com/hy6Dz6L3xG
— Hollywoodbets (@Hollywoodbets) December 18, 2021
Race for 2nd spot heats up
The race for second spot remains wide open as three sides exchanged the position in the past weekend. Before the start of the round, Kaizer Chiefs had been seated pretty in 2nd spot, and after Saturday’s fixtures, Sekhukhune United were the new occupants. Sunday afternoon was Chiefs’ opportunity to return to 2nd spot in Chatsworth stadium, Durban, and they found an uncompromising Spice People in Royal AM who humbled them 1-0 and subsequently move to 2nd on the log.
FULL-TIME:@RAMFC_sa 1-0 @KaizerChiefs#DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/KLMHKUPnCQ
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) December 19, 2021
Relegation candidates
Baroka lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the Cape to remain bottom of the log after dominating the match from the start. Bakgaga coach Kgolokgo Thobejane was left speechless and was quoted back his own words: “football will kill you” at the end of the match. The defeat has pushed Baroka deep into a relegation dog fight and one wonders if they can survive this time.
Chippa fought out of relegation thanks to the brilliance of striker Eva Nga. In midweek, Chippa played to a 2-2 stalemate against draw-specialists, AmaZulu, and went to midlands with one thing in mind. The Kurt Lentjies-led side who had just parted with head coach, Gavin Hunt, and were in no mood to let it slip at the Harry Gwala stadium versus Maritzburg United. Target man Eva Nga again netted his brace, this time securing his important three points for the Gqeberha side. With that said, Chippa moved up the log to 13th and push down TS Galaxy (who drew against Arrows) and Swallows FC (who lost to Cape Town City) to 14th and 15th on the log table.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
With league race almost becoming a one-horse race, the leading goal scorer race is also heating up as Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns on 13 goals is chased down by Victor Letsoalo of Royal AM who is on nine goals. Shalulile’s tally is without goals from the penalty spot while Letsoalo has scored four penalties out of the nine he has scored. Indeed, they all count in the end and Letsoalo will be looking for more to catch the man who looks likely to break Collins Mbesuma’s 25 goals record.
Glad Africa Championship
JDR Stars and Richard’s Bay will end 2021 as joint-leaders at the top. The race for automatic promotion is beginning to take shape and it has become clearer now that both JDR and Natal Rich Boys have set themselves clear. Polokwane City and Venda Football Academy remain the other two hopefuls for play-off spots as the league go for a break until after AFCON.
Player of the week: Themba Zwane
