Mamelodi Sundowns have continued their 100% start record at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign after beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Masandawana made it seven wins from seven games thanks to a penalty that was converted by Lucas Ribeiro, who netted his fifth goal of the DStv Premiership campaign.
Themba Zwane had been brought down by Siphelo Baloni, who was given his first start by Jose Riveiro, with Ribeiro slotting home from the penalty spot after 12 minutes.
The game lived more from the atmosphere and tension than prolific football on the pitch, with Ronwen Williams clattering into Zakhele Lepasa outside the box before half-time but getting away with a yellow card.
The decision enthused several Pirates players and technical team members, which ended with assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi being sent off.
The second half remained more of the same, with Pirates taking over control but Sundowns being happy to focus on their defence.
There weren’t many clearcut chances, with Sundowns taking home the three points to continue their 100% start record.
In addition, they went 14 points clear of the Buccaneers, who have two games in hand. The gap to second-placed Golden Arrows is seven points.
