Goals by Khama Billiat and Yannick Zakri ensured that Mamelodi Sundowns secured another league double over Orlando Pirates this season, with a 2-0 victory in their Absa Premiership encounter at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Kjell Jonevret made three changes to his squad that were defeated 1-0 by Bidvest Wits in their last league encounter, with Jackson Mabokgwane, Happy Jele and Thabo Qalinge all being handed a starting berth.

Pitso Mosimane made two changes to his team that drew 2-2 with Platinum Stars, bringing in Yannick Zakri and Tiyani Mabunda, replacing Anthony Laffor and Lucky Mohomi respectively.

The visitors got off to the brighter start of the two teams, with Pirates content to soak up the early pressure.

Sundowns were denied what looked like a good penalty shout in the third minute when Muzi Mashaba burst into the area and went down from a suspicious looking challenge by a Pirates defender.

Sundowns looked like a team possessed in their bid to open the scoring and were once again denied what looked like a sure penalty in the 21st minute after being brought down by Happy Jele in the area.

The visitors deservedly opened the scoring in the 25th minute, after Yannick Zakri got the better of Patrick Phugwayo in the area and his ball into the area was headed home by Khama Billiat.

Pirates were presented with chances in the 30th and 36th minute respectively, but the visitors had goalkeeper Denis Onyango to thank for some alert shot-stopping to ensure that his side remained in the lead.

Sundowns went into the half-time break with their one goal lead.

Masandawana doubled their advantage in the 48th minute when Zakri got on to the end of Tau’s attempted through ball, to slot past a hapless Mabokgwane.

The goal saw Pirates up their tempo, with Jonevret opting for a double change with Abbubaker Mobara and Qalinge, making way for Dove Wome and Mpho Makola respectively.

For their all their attacking efforts and opportunities, Pirates failed to find a way past a resilient Sundowns defence and succumbed to their second league defeat against Mosimane’s men this season.

Meanwhile, Bidvest Wits maintained their title aspirations with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Maritzburg United at the Bidvest Stadium, with Phumlani Ntshangase netting the only goal of the game.

Highlands Park did themselves no favour in their battle against relegation as they were condemned to a 1-0 loss against Platinum Stars, courtesy of Robert Ng’ambi’s 87th minute effort.

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