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Mamelodi Sundowns ’embarrassment over the player’s riches in power appeared to contrast with the tougher situation at Kaizer Chiefs, in the Brazilians’ 3-0 Premier League DStv opener win at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
New signing Peter Shalulile took advantage of a goalkeeper error by Itumeleng Khune to score his first goal for the Sundowns to his advantage in the 37th minute. Another new man, Kermit Erasmus, made it 2-0 scoring on his debut at 54. Themba Zwane scored the third from the point at 88.
It seemed to sum up the difference in resources that when the champions Sundowns introduced firepower from their bench, new Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt brought in youth products Keletso Sifama and newcomer Lebohang Lesako.
Both groups of coaches made three changes. Hunt brought on Leonardo Castro as the center forward in his team’s 2-1 MTN8 quarterfinal victory against Maritzburg United. He had Willard Katsande and Lebogang Manyama back from suspension in midfield.
Sundowns’ Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Komphela and Rulani Mokwena have joined Thapelo Morena on right back, Andile Jali in midfield and Erasmus up front since their 1-0 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic.
Sundowns’ bench resembled the starting lineup for most teams.
It takes Hunt time to impose his tough, straightforward pattern that has given him trophies everywhere he has trained. He may also have a private concern, one he may not easily express in public, that the Chiefs over-achieved with the team they have finished second under predecessor Ernst Middendorp last season.
A FIFA transfer ban has left the Chiefs generally too frugal in the market anyway, watching from the sidelines as the big three rivals Sundowns and the Orlando Pirate have struck deals on Covid-19 economic conditions. and looted the teams of two clubs sold.
Hunt has some older players and a team that needs to refresh. But you are not allowed to do so. So his ability to work with limited resources, bring out the best in players and introduce youngsters, will be put to the test in this first season at a glamorous club.
Sundowns’ Rivaldo Coetzee, Hlompho Kekana and Andile Jali outplayed their Amakhosi midfield counterparts too easily. Downs’ new forwards benefited from the spoils of that.
A shaky performance by the Chiefs’ staunch goalkeeper Khune helped the Sundowns go ahead at halftime.
Chiefs right back Reeve Frosler’s initial punt from deep in his half found the run of Khama Billiat, who hit a volley for the first time off Denis Onyango.
Sundowns then took control. Captain Kekana first tested Khune from where few would have the audacity to do so, snapping a shot from an impossible angle from outside the penalty area to the right that former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper awkwardly pushed for a corner.
Khune came too far out of his area to intercept an upward chip, missed his kick and only found Shalulile meters ahead of him, whose balloon was not well connected to allow Ramahlwe Mphahlele to back up and punt from the front of the line. .
Khune then came and stretched out an arm, but missed from Coetzee’s corner from the left, Shalulile connected with a shoulder to open his account at his new club.
Sundowns came out of the break remarkably winning most of the ball.
Prying the area, Erasmus fed newly crowned 2019-20 Season Footballer Zwane to force a stop a short distance from Khune. Erasmus hit the low rebound inside the right post.
Added insult to injury that the 3-0 scoreline was brought on by substitute George Maluleka, fed by Zwane, being brought down by former clubmate Khune, allowing Zwane to concede from the point.
Other early Premiership results:
- Bloemfontein Celtic 1 Golden Arrows 1
- Baroka FC 2 Maritzburg United 1
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