Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits went head-to-head in an action-packed MTN8 final on Saturday as the Clever Boys stunned their opponents to lift the cup.
Wits made a dream start to the match as influential wing Daine Klate opened the scoring for the Clever Boys after barely a minute.
Not affording Sundowns any space to breath, the side continued to attack in the following minutes, forcing Tebogo Langerman into a fine block in the third minute before Klate skied another effort over the bar eight minutes later.
Wits then doubled their lead after 20 minutes as Eleazar Rodgers pounced on a loose ball following poor handling from Denis Onyango.
The game the match reached the 30 minute mark without further incident as Sundowns finally began to find their feet. Pitso Mosimane’s men nevertheless failed to conjure up a clear chance before the interval as it was Wits who remained firmly in control with a 2-0 lead at the break.
Sundowns began the second period well as they looked to regain a foothold in the game. Their first meaningful chance came in the 57th minute as Tiyani Mabunda’s powerful header was well saved by Darren Keet, who was called upon just two minutes later to make a second save following a cracking drive.
Wits then scored yet again to race into 3-goal lead. Klate was the scorer as he grabbed his second of the day following a great ball from Rodgers as as Sundowns were caught on the counter.
With time running out, Wits were happy to hit Sundowns on the break as they came close to netting a fourth through Rodgers, with only a superb Onyango save denying him. Hlompho Kekana then blasted an effort over the bar before Sifiso Myeni hit the side netting for Wits.
There were to be no more goals in the encounter, however, as the final score at the Mbombela Stadium remained 3-0 to Wits.
Photo: Bidvest Wits’s Official Twitter page