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Sundowns crowned PSL champions

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Mamelodi Sundowns winners of the Absa Premiership 2019/20 season

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their third successive Absa Premiership title after thrashing Black Leopards 3-0 at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Pitso Mosimane’s side fielded the same starting lineup to the one that defeated Polokwane City 3-0 on Wednesday evening, while Leopards were without their top-scorer, Mwape Musonda, due to suspension.

Sundowns showed their intent early on and nearly opened the scoring after Gaston Sirino intercepted a pass in the Leopards box before pulling the ball back for Themba Zwane, whose first-time hit strike was deflected for a corner.

The home side had another chance to break the deadlock in the 14th minute when Sirino played a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Anele Ngcongca was unable to make any contact with the cross.

Mosimane’s side were then awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute after Khomotso Masia fouled Zwane inside the box. Ricardo Nascimento stepped up to take the penalty but his spot kick was saved by goalkeeper King Ndlovu.

Sundowns continued to press forward in search of a goal and came close just before the break, when Motjeka Madisha hit the upright with a powerful header.

However, Sundowns eventually took the lead with the last kick of the first half when Lebohang Maboe headed the ball home from close range from a Zwane cross.

The Brazilians came out with guns blazing in the second half and doubled their lead after 52 minutes – when Zwane picked out Maboe in the box to slot the ball home after Leopards failed to clear their lines.

Mosimane made his first substitution after 55 minutes of play when Lyle Lakay was introduced in place of Tebogo Langerman.

Sundowns should have extended their lead even further four minutes later, but Maboe’s first-time volley sailed just wide of goal after latching on to a cheeky flick from Sirino.

Mosimane then opted for a fresh pair of legsd in the 75th minute when Ngcongca was substituted and subsequently replaced by the in-form Keletso Makgalwa.

Ndlovu came to his side’s rescue in the 88th minute when he produced a double save to keep Sundowns from extending their lead even further.

However, Maboe completed his hat-trick in stoppage time after he headed the ball past Ndlovu to fire his side to a record 10th Absa Premiership title.