Mamelodi Sundowns set for title as Wits slip

02 May 2016 - 10:52 By David LEGGE

The South African Premiership title race took another dramatic turn this weekend with frontrunners Mamelodi Sundowns stretching their lead over sole rivals Wits to six points. While Sundowns came from behind at home to defeat outgoing champions Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 in Pretoria, Wits were surprisingly held 1-1 by visiting Chippa United in Johannesburg.With a six-point advantage three rounds from the finish line and a superior goal difference, it is hard to imagine Sundowns not achieving a record-extending seventh success.That feat could be realised this Wednesday when they visit second-last Pretoria University, who fell 1-0 at Jomo Cosmos this weekend in a crucial relegation clash.Maximum points for Sundowns against their neighbours would give them an unassailable lead if Wits failed to win at Mpumalanga Black Aces 24 hours before.Chiefs have had a miserable first campaign under coach and former South Africa captain Steve Komphela after winning two titles in three seasons.They lost the Top 8 and League Cup finals, were eliminated in the first round of the FA Cup, and 11 draws deprived them of too many points to be title challengers.But after ending an eight-match winless run in domestic and African competitions last Wednesday, they were hopeful of stalling Sundowns' title ambitions.The belief that they could come away from Loftus Versfeld stadium with a win was strengthened when Lorenzo Gordinho gave them a first-half lead.However, Colombian Leonardo Castro levelled on the stroke of half-time and Sundowns took an early second half lead when Thabo Nthethe converted a penalty.An own-goal by Chiefs' Zimbabwean midfield enforcer Willard Katsande condemned the Soweto club to a fifth league loss this season.Wits, an unfashionable Johannesburg club that has never won the Premiership, were expected to collect three points at home to generally poor travellers Chippa.But Thamsanqa Sangweni gave the Port Elizabeth-based outfit a first half lead and the best Wits could manage was an equaliser from Sibusiso Vilakazi after half-time.Wits host Sundowns on May 11 in the penultimate round, but by then the destination of the trophy and a 10 million rand ($710,000, 620,000 euros) first prize may have been settled.An early goal from Zimbabwean Charlton Mashumba after comical defending gave Cosmos a 1-0 home win over Pretoria in a relegation 'six-pointer'.Cosmos (24 points), Pretoria (21) and Maritzburg United (20) occupy the lowest places. The club coming last is automatically relegated and the second-last finishers go into play-offs.-AFP..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.