Cassius Mailula continued his fine goal scoring for Mamelodi Sundowns as they proved too good for Richards Bay in a 2-0 DStv Premiership win at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
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Mailula scored his fifth goal in as many league games with a superb finish as Sundowns moved ten points clear at the top of the table, their ninth league win in a game to keep them well on track for a sixth title.
Sundowns dominated for most of the game against the Richards Bay side that has punched above its weight this season, the newly promoted Natal Rich Boys remain in third place in the standings after Saturday’s loss.
The home side had moments, especially at the start of the second half, but Haashim Domingo effectively killed the match from close range, after some poor goalkeeping from Jamal.
Mailula and Themba Zwane have formed a good understanding in attack for the league leaders, and the youngster almost set up Zwane for the opener in the 8Th minute, with a very good heel.
Zwane’s effort, however, was saved at the near post by Salim Jamal.
Mailula and Zwane combined again ten minutes later, and this time Zwane really should have scored, but again Jamal denied him.
At 39Th However, Mailula was not to be denied as he latched on to Aubrey Modiba’s pass and lofted a fine volley past Jamal.
The home side made their second change at half-time, with Luvuyo Memela and Yamela Mbuthuma coming on. And the two almost combined for an equalizer early in the second half, with Memela’s free-kick missed by Ronwen Williams but also by Mbuthuma.
Williams then had to show sharp reflexes to keep out an effort from Sanele Barns, after a good move from the front.
But it was Sundowns who doubled the lead in the 66thTh minute. Jamal is responsible for a really poor throw out of the goal and Sundowns seized the chance, Mailula and Marcos Allende combined for the latter to fire in a shot that Jamal could only palm into the path of Domingo.
In another match yesterday, Moroka Swallows got their first win under new coach Ernst Middendorp, beating Chippa United 2-0.