Mamelodi Sundowns did just enough to go level with Betway Premiership champions and log leaders Orlando Pirates after grinding out a 2-0 victory over Milford at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.
Sundowns are now second on the log with 13 points, level with Pirates, who lead on a superior goal difference. The two teams have enjoyed a strong start to the season, and will meet in the MTN8 final – at a venue yet to be announced – on October 10.
The Brazilians, however, will know they have work to do to ensure a balanced structure. Their performance was inconsistent, which surely would not have impressed new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers, given that Sundowns are one of the national team’s main suppliers.
Sundowns defender Grant Kekana argued at the start of the season that they remain the team to beat, despite relinquishing the title to Pirates last term. He and his teammates needed to prove that on the pitch by dominating their opponents.
After conceding in three of their four league matches heading into this clash, they were yet to truly impose their authority. In fact, Milford gave them a run for their money on Wednesday, only for the newcomers to be let down by lapses in concentration.
Coach Miguel Cardoso fielded a makeshift squad, resting several regulars from the team that beat Golden Arrows 3-2 in the MTN8 semi-final last Sundayn– a result that saw them win the tie 3-3 on aggregate on away goals.
The notable changes in the starting lineup included Bathusi Aubaas, who replaced Teboho Mokoena. The midfielder endured a frustrating first half as the visitors uncharacteristically found spaces in the final third. It was not surprising that Aubaas was replaced by Mokoena at half-time.
Milford, who held Sundowns until the stroke of half-time, nearly found the breakthrough first. Thabana Mabena deftly latched onto a pass inside the box, but his shot ricocheted off the face of Ronwen Williams and sailed to safety.
Sundowns nearly responded soon thereafter, with Antonio van Wyk putting Tashreeq Matthews through on goal with a well-weighted pass. Matthews did well to bring the ball down and pass it through the legs of goalkeeper Siphamanda Hleza, only for Olwethu Cele to make a timely goal-line clearance.
The Brazilians would not be denied before the break. Aubrey Modiba did well to recover possession on the edge of the area before putting in a cross. Iqraam Rayners latched onto the ball and forced a save from Hleza, who parried it back to the striker, who easily tapped home.
The introduction of Mokoena brought stability to the Sundowns midfield. However, the Bafana Bafana international spent some time on the floor after being stamped on by Khanyisani Radebe, much to the worry of Cardoso and new Bafana coach Mosimane.
Mokoena eventually continued with the game and helped Sundowns control the pace of the proceedings, upping the ante in the final third by using the fresh legs and trickery of Cassius Mailula and Siyanda Ndlovu. That paid dividends when Modiba found himself in the final third, composed himself, and set up Van Wyk, who curled his shot past Hleza.
Sundowns protected the win, and Williams kept a clean sheet, ensuring they remained level with the log leaders after the first five league games of the season.
