Mamelodi Sundowns have now moved within three points of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs following their 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows. SoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS highlights five main talking points from the game.
Pitso rings changes to grind out result
Pitso Mosimane made several changes to his side with Kennedy Mweene, Mosa Lebusa and Rivaldo Coetzee drafted in as replacements for the injured Denis Onyango, while Ricardo Nascimento and Andile Jali missed out due to suspensions.
Mosimane was looking to freshen up his squad after two draws and two losses in the league, but Sundowns finally managed to scrape a late victory against Arrows and benefited from having fresh legs on the pitch to see them snatch all three points.
Zwane finally off the mark for Sundowns
The 31-year-old has been Sundowns’ standout performer this season, having bagged 13 goals and assisted a further eight from 35 appearances in all competitions.
Zwane’s form dipped since the restart of the league and he last scored in the 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC back in March.
However, the Bafana Bafana international, who has played a bit part in Mosimane’s squad since the restart, is slowly finding his feet as he managed to come of the bench to fire Sundowns to victory at the Dobsonville Stadium on Monday evening.
Sundowns lack composure in final third
The nine-time champions have recently struggled to hit the ground running since the restart, their last victory coming in the Telkom Knockout Cup.
The Brazilians lacked the composure and killer instinct in front of goal in recent games and wasted number of scoring chances against Arrows, especially with the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Gaston Sirino and Phakamani Mahlambi in their ranks. They managed to score only seven goals in their last five games, while conceding six.
Sundowns close gap on Chiefs
Sundowns have now closed the gap on Amakhosi to just three points having played the same amount of games, but their next game could be decisive in the title race.
What next for Sundowns?
The Brazilians will have an opportunity to level on points with Chiefs when the two sides square off at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off set for 6pm.
