RIBEIRO’S SAMBA BRACE RUBS SALT ON PIRATES’ WOUNDS

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Orlando Pirates 4-1 in their betWay premiership match at the sold out Loftus Versfeld stadium on Saturday. This encounter certainly lived up to expectations as this was a star derby war with the two sides being the only teams with continental stars as well as it being a top of the table clash.

Grant Kekana opened the scoring charts for the Brazilians in the 13th minute after his beautiful header connected with a Marcelo Allende free-kick. Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was tested six minutes later as newly signed Downs defender Lucas Suarez almost came close to doubling the lead and opening his account for the club with a header from a close range but Chaine was well positioned.

In form Downs striker and man of the match Lucas Ribeiro doubled the lead for the reigning league champions before the halftime break as he took the ball from his own half and dribbled his way past the Pirates defenders before beating a helpless Chaine to make it 2-0.

The Sea Robbers were finally rewarded as Deon Hotto fires a deflected shot outside the penalty box, beating Africa’s number one goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make it 2-1 in the 57th minute. However, joy continued for the yellow nations as Ribeiro caught Pirates’ defense napping and slotted a shot to complete his brace to make it 3-1 in favour of the Chloorkop based side.

Teboho Mokoena, who had another stellar performance in the game added to Sundowns’ scoreline tally with a trademark strike from outside the area to make it 4-1. Sundowns have now accumulated 42 points in 15 games after winning 14 league matches and losing only once, while Pirates have collected 33 points in 14 outings after winning 11 matches and losing three times.

The victory sees Sundowns stretch their points tally at the summit of the premiership table to nine points, though the The Buccaneers have a game in hand.