Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a breathtaking attacking display to dismantle Siwelele FC 7-4 on Saturday night, ensuring the Betway Premiership title race remains wide open.
With Orlando Pirates still holding the advantage, Sundowns needed a statement victory — and they produced one in emphatic fashion, trimming the goal difference gap to just four goals ahead of the final stretch.
The remarkable 11-goal contest featured hat-tricks from Brayan Leon for Sundowns and Gamphani Lungu for Siwelele, while one fortunate supporter also drove away with a brand-new car.
Betway Premiership Title Race Goes Down To The Wire
To borrow from the immortal words of coach Pitso Mosimane, ‘this thing still has a heartbeat.’
Although Sundowns do not have their destiny entirely in their own hands, the convincing win has ensured that the pressure remains firmly on Orlando Pirates.
The defending champions will conclude their league campaign against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Pirates, meanwhile, still have three matches remaining, including a fixture against Magesi FC in Polokwane.
Regardless of the outcome against Magesi, Pirates will not move to the top of the standings immediately, though they retain the advantage of having a game in hand.
Miguel Cardoso Rotates Squad Before Crucial Matches
Coach Miguel Cardoso will be pleased with his side’s seven-goal haul, but conceding four times is likely to concern him given the importance of goal difference.
Cardoso handed young attacker Kutlwano Lathlaku a starting role in place of Themba Zwane, joining Nuno Santos, Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena in midfield and attack.
Sundowns were without defender Keanu Cupido, whose season has ended because of a collarbone injury, while Jayden Adams was suspended.
Experienced players such as Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Grant Kekana were also included in the starting line-up.
Brayan Leon Hat-Trick Headlines Mamelodi Sundowns Goal Fest
Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema selected a side featuring Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Neo Rapoo, Relebohile Mokhuoane, Grant Margeman and Teboho Potsane, but they struggled to contain Sundowns’ relentless attack.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring after seven minutes with a fierce strike from outside the box after Siwelele failed to clear Allende’s corner.
Tashreeq Matthews doubled the lead with a close-range header before Mobbie turned the ball into his own net to make it 3-0.
Lungu capitalised on a misplaced pass by Khulumane Ndamane to reduce the deficit, but Matthews restored Sundowns’ cushion with his second goal after striking the post moments earlier.
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Leon added Sundowns’ fifth before the interval, then completed his hat-trick in the second half with two more clinical finishes.
Lungu matched that feat for Siwelele, scoring twice more — including a penalty in the 80th minute — while Mokhuoane also found the net.
Cardoso will be concerned by Ndamane’s recent errors after he conceded a late penalty in the 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC, with the CAF Champions League Final against AS FAR fast approaching.
Despite those defensive lapses, Sundowns remain firmly in the hunt to retain their league crown.
