Mamelodi Sundowns have set a new record for the most number of consecutive wins in the DStv Premiership, racking up a 12th straight triumph on Saturday night when they edged Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium.
The Brazilians, who secured the result on the back of a fine strike from Neo Maema in the first half, have eclipsed the previous PSL-era (Premier Soccer League) record of 11, set by their 2006-07 team under the guidance of PSL legend Gordon Igesund.
‘Downs also opened a massive 17-point lead at the top of the log over the nearest chasers Richards Bay (who have played two games less).
As for the Amakhosi, this is a third straight defeat since the turn of the year, leaving them in fifth spot and a full 22 points adrift of their vanquishers on the night.
Yet the Soweto side put in a competent and even occasionally promising performance against the standard-setters of the Premiership, but too often they lacked a final edge of quality and composure to exploit the chances they created.
Sundowns made a strong start and were close to a bizarre early goal in the fifth minute when Themba Zwane’s pressure forced a ricochet in the Chiefs defence that saw the ball loop beyond Itumeleng Khune before rebounding to safety off the post.
However, these was no such reprieve for the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper in the 20th minute, as ‘Downs put together a slick passing move that ended with Neo Maema striking a shot into the top corner of the net from a perfect tee-up by Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile.
Chiefs offered a few threatening moments to the visiting team, most notably on the half-hour mark when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s superb through ball gave Keagan Dolly a sight of goal – the former ‘Downs man struck the post from a tight angle and was offside anyway, but it was still a glimmer of hope for the hosts in attack.
The Brazilians searched for a second goal before the break when they pushed forward via Maema, but the attacking midfielder drove a skidding shot wide of Khune’s right-hand post in the 43rd minute.
The half closed with Sundowns 1-0 up, and at the start of the second Chiefs opted for a change in midfield by introducing Siyethemba Sithebe, who threatened an equaliser on 48 minutes but put his effort high and wide of the target.
Just over 10 minutes later Sundowns were close to extending their lead when Cassius Mailula drove forward and opened space for a left-footed shot, but his drive found the side netting of Khune’s goal.
The teams proceeded to exchange chances, but the momentum went the way of Chiefs, who dialled up the pace and pressure to create some notable openings, but the likes of Dolly and Ashley Du Preez weren’t able to capitalise, leaving the Brazilians to pick up a historic victory.
Sundowns will be back in action on Tuesday 24 January when they visit TS Galaxy, while Chiefs’ next league match is at home to Royal AM on Sunday 29 January.