Mamelodi Sundowns strengthened their grip on the Betway Premiership title race with a commanding 3-0 victory over Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.
The reigning African champions were made to work for the breakthrough after a frustrating first half, but once Kutlwano Letlhaku opened the scoring, Sundowns took control and eventually finished the match in style.
The victory moves Sundowns six points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership, while Siwelele remain without a win after another difficult outing.
Siwelele frustrate Sundowns in first half
Siwelele arrived with a clear defensive plan, with caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa packing numbers behind the ball to frustrate the hosts.
Sundowns dominated possession and territory but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Tshigwana Gift Mthombeni was also in impressive form, making important interventions as Siwelele kept the champions at bay.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval, with the score still 0-0 at half-time.
Letlhaku finally breaks the deadlock
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso responded by making changes to inject fresh energy into his side.
The move eventually paid off.
In the 58th minute, Kutlwano Letlhaku broke Siwelele’s resistance to put Sundowns ahead. The goal was subjected to a VAR check before being confirmed.
The opener changed the momentum of the contest, with Sundowns gaining even greater control as Siwelele were forced to open up in search of an equaliser.
Mosoetsa responded by introducing Hamza Issah and Thato Letshedi, but the visitors could not find a way past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Ndlovu seals a convincing Sundowns victory
Sundowns’ depth ultimately proved decisive in the closing stages.
Substitute Siyanda Ndlovu, wearing the number 38 shirt, doubled the champions’ advantage in the 79th minute with an excellent finish.
With Siwelele unable to respond, Ndlovu delivered again in stoppage time — this time as provider.
The Sundowns substitute played a superb through ball to Tashreeq Matthews, who calmly lifted a clinical lob over the goalkeeper to complete the 3-0 victory.
Sundowns march on as Siwelele struggle
The final whistle confirmed another important result for Sundowns, who continue to set the pace at the top of the Betway Premiership.
For Siwelele FC, the difficult start to the campaign continues. The managerless side remain without a victory and will need to find answers quickly as the season progresses.
