Mamelodi Sundowns secured a record ninth league title in the PSL era with a 1-0 win over Free State Stars in their final game of the season on Saturday afternoon.
Pitso Mosimane’s charges knew heading into their final game of the season that no matter what could happen off the field, with Wayne Arendse’s case still lurking in the background, three points against Stars would see them retain the Absa Premiership crown.
The side from Bethlehem, on the other hand, were just as desperate for a result, but for very different reasons as they looked to avoid relegation with a number of teams in the mix to go down.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, Downs created their first opening when a quick goal-kick by Denis Onyango found Gaston Sirino, who whipped in a delightful ball. Yet, Sibusiso Vilakazi could not find the target with his free header.
Just five minutes later and the Brazilians came close again as Hlompho Kekana drew Stars goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare into a smart save from a tight angle.
Themba Zwane was next to threaten as his tame 23rd-minute effort flew just wide.
Stars were finally starting to find their feet and created a couple of openings of their own when Sibusiso Hlubi fired in a free kick that was well saved by Onyango, before Mokhuoane’s long-range pile driver forced the Ugandan into an even better save.
It looked as if the sides would go in level at the break, but Sundowns made the breakthrough at the perfect time when Vilakazi found Zwane in the box, who failed to control the ball before it fell to the feet of substitute Phakamani Mahlambi. He arrowed his effort into the bottom right-hand corner.
1-0 at the break with Sundowns 45 minutes away from lifting the Absa Premiership trophy.
The second half was proving to be a tight affair as Stars looked for a way back into the game and avoid automatic relegation.
Stars then thought they got the massive equaliser in the 59th minute, but the referee brought back play for a handball in the box and awarded Sundowns the free kick.
Both sides were trading efforts from distance, but neither side could manage to hit the target.
Eleazar Rodgers then had a massive chance for Stars heading into the final 10 minutes, but he failed to keep his shot down.
Sundowns showed all their experience and know-how as they managed to successfully see out the remainder of the game and pick up the three points to secure their second successive Absa Premiership crown.
