Ismail Watenga played a starring role as Golden Arrows held champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale.

Even though Sundowns secured their seventh consecutive title last week with six games to spare, their goalkeeper, who was making his return from an injury suffered in November, was constantly thwarted.

Two minutes into the second half, the champs were down to ten players after Mosa Lebusa fouled Lungelo Nguse, who was positioned as the last defender on the pitch.

Arrows counterattacker Livewire Nguse was a continual danger to Sundowns, and leading scorer Rivaldo Coetzee made a number of outstanding tackles.

Sundowns, who have already won the title, still have five games left to play in their quest to become the first club to go the entire Premiership season without a loss.

The Pretoria side is also aiming for a 30-match season record in points. With 65 points, they only need seven more out of a possible fifteen to do it.

In the battle for second place and a spot in the CAF Champions League, Stellenbosch had their advantage over Orlando Pirates cut to one point after a scoreless draw at home against lowly AmaZulu.

In Soweto, Pirates defeated Chippa United 2-0 thanks to goals from league top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix