Mamelodi Sundowns continued with their impressive run as they thrashed Orlando Pirates with an impressive 4-1 win in the DStv Premiership on Friday evening.

Masandawana were ruthless in front of goal in match number 17 in the DStv Premiership. A brace from Pavol Safranko and one each for Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile saw the defending Champions secure themselves a fourth win in a row in the league.

It was the The Brazilians who had the first opportunity, breaking quickly thanks to a precise cross taken by Lyle Lakay into the box from a corner kick that connected with Thapelo Morena, but unfortunately his shot let him down as it went over the goalposts.

The Buccaneers responded shortly with their own goal attempt through forward Deon Hotto who was unable to place the ball on target as Denis Onyango stood untested. Downs certainly came flying out of the blocks, the intensity shown was consistent from the beginning throughout the intense encounter. Pirates did not shy away from posing threats as both teams struggled to go past the final third, however given the opportunity to shoot for goal, the Buccaneers Kwame Peprah forced Onyango to make a real attempt that could’ve put the visitors ahead.

Bafana Ba Style had a few clear-cut chances of their own before heading into the break, Andile Jali and Sphelele Mkhulise interchanged classical passes while assisting Zwane and still searching for the opening goal. Downs center half, Grant Kekana and Paseka Mako of Pirates collided during the Buccaneers attack in the dying minutes of the half leading to Kekana’s withdrawal from the clash. Onyango was put through his final check as Thembinkosi Lorch shot against the solid wall.

Just as the second half returned Masandawana sought to increase the pressure, and pieced together a lovely flowing move before being awarded a free kick that would give them their long awaited lead. Free kick specialist Lyle Lakay directed the ball to the Buccaneers’ far post, with Shalulile waiting and going unmarked, the Namibian international assisted Zwane to his 5th league goal as he placed the ball in the net. Mshishi and Shalulile were back at it shortly, this time it was Zwane assisting Shalulile who took a powerful shot towards Siyabonga Mpontshane.

The visitors then enjoyed a decent spell of pressure, meanwhile Downs continued to create more chances with intention. Slovak international, Safranko scored two goals in ten minutes, followed by Shalulile five minutes later to sink the Pirates ship. An impressive team performance from the Tshwane giants were unstoppable and more goals seemed to be looming as the Sea Robbers defense was no longer difficult to dismantle. Fortune Makaringe left Onyango standing still with just a minute left to full time when his stunning shot gave Ezimnyama Ngenkani a goal in the evening’s affair in Pretoria.

Bafana Ba Style 24-year old, Sifiso Ngobeni made his debut in the mouthwatering battle, alongside Lesedi Kapinga, Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala who were substituted on. Ricardo Nascimento made his first start of the season and made a fantastic clearance against Pirates.

Soka25east.com