Pro Philani looks back at this past week’s DStv Premiership action as Arrows were blunted by Royal AM, Maritzburg United’s struggles continued and more!
Downs hammer Maritzburg United
Maritzburg United were dealt a huge reality check by visiting Mamelodi Sundowns at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The Team of Choice were humbled 5-0 by the defending champions to braces from Cassius Mailula & Hashim Domingo and one by man of the match Thapelo Morena.
Sundowns made several changes from a team that lost MTN8 second leg 3-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium a week ago. First, it was the technical team changes where Rulani Mokwena was announced as the sole head coach, ditching the co-coaching arrangement that set the scenes alight in the previous two seasons.
The fellow co-coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, was demoted to senior coach role; a role which was previously occupied by Steve Komphela, who has been promoted to first team coach, a role below that of a head coach but higher than that of a senior coach which he had previously occupied.
On the playing personnel side, Zwane, Sirino, Mvala and Mudau, were sacrificed for Morena, Mailula, Domingo, Lebusa and Maema, whilst Aubrey Modiba was suspended following his red card against Pirates.
The host couldn’t cope with the tempo and high-pressing of Sundowns. Maritzburg United coach, John Maduka, was left disappointed by the quality of his side’s amateurish defending in all the goals conceded.
21-year-old Cassius Mailula of Sundowns made his full DStv Premiership debut and netted his first brace of the season.
The defeat to Sundowns will surely leave coach John Maduka’s future in the balance as he was given four games club fortunes or face the chop by chairman Farouk Kadodia.
It was a night to remember for Haashim Domingo as he scored a brace & Thapelo Morena who won man of the match award on Tuesday night action in Pietermaritzburg! Hear what the two Brazilians had to say about their performances!👆#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/SrHZemR2oH
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 26, 2022
Arrows blunted by Royal AM
Royal AM returned to domestic action with a comfortable 3-1 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Chatsworth Stadium. AM opened the scoring through journeyman Lenvin Stoffels before young left-back Sibonelo Cele equalised for Arrows.
AM showed why they have enjoyed a deep run in the qualification rounds of the CAFCC when veteran striker Ruzaigh Gamaldien made it 2-1 before the break.
Arrows star man, Nduduzo Sibiya, missed from the penalty with his spot kick saved by goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo. Man of the Match, Elias Pelembe, inspired AM to their third of the evening by finding Lesotho international Motebang Sera unmarked in the box to make it 3-1.
Arrows co-coach, Vusi Vilakazi admitted that the team keep losing concentration in the first phase of games. He further lamented their defensive organization as it allows opposition sides breach their defence almost at will.
Arrows’ next game is another KZN derby against Maritzburg United on Friday night at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Sera Motebang hit the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration tonight after his goal for Royal AM 🙏🥶 pic.twitter.com/XglIZqrfD8
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 25, 2022
Another draw for Folz
AmaZulu played to another draw against Marumo Gallants at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night. Folz is still in search of his first win and was on the back foot for the better part of the match as Gallants dominated.
After nine competitive matches, Folz still has not won a single match. Eight draws and one loss is his unwanted recorded. He led Gallants for just 5 games at the beginning of the current season and has now led AmaZulu on just four outings. He will be looking for his luck to change soon before AmaZulu think about taking a different direction.
The MTN8 final against Pirates will be a perfect platform to save his AmaZulu job.
Gallants
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 26, 2022
❌ 0-0 Stellenbosch
❌ 0-0 Richards Bay
❌ 1-1 Golden Arrows
❌ 2-2 Royal AM
❌ 0-1 Orlando Pirates
AmaZulu
❌ 1-1 Orlando Pirates
❌ 1-1 Maritzburg
❌ 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs
❌ 0-0 Gallants 🆕
Romain Folz is now 9 games without a win in South Africa 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/8fUkEbJELe
