Kutlwano Letlhaku’s brace helped Mamelodi Sundowns narrow the gap between themselves and first-placed Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership log to three points after their 2-0 win over Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
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The result sees the defending champions in second position with 18 points while Rise and Shine dropped to fourth spot with 13 points both from seven matches.
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi made wholesome changes with Peter Shalulile and Ronwen Williams the only survivors from their last match while City made two changes with Thabang Matuludi coming on for Sinhle Makhubela and Manuel Kambala starting ahead of Sammy Seabi.
Arthur Sales set-up Kutlwano Letlhaku in both halves as the teenager got off the blocks in the league with his first brace in the 27th and 69th minutes, respectively. Earlier in the opening five minutes, Shalulile had an attempt at goal, but it went straight to the goalkeeper’s hands. There was another opportunity in the 19th minute for the hosts but weren’t threatening with Manuel Sapunga collecting easily.
City showed some intention of getting on the score sheet after 20 minutes with Matuludi getting in the opposition’s box but didn’t have support. A minute later, Kambala took a shot from range however it went over the bar, he was followed by Oswin Appollis but the youngster’s tame shot was an easy collection for Williams.
Three minutes later, Sales found Letlhaku who made no mistake in breaking the deadlock.
Sundowns could have doubled their lead two minutes later when Sales found Divine Lunga but the latter’s effort was deflected out for a corner.
City made one change at the start of the second half bringing in Thato Letshedi for Cole Alexander.
Letlhaku could have completed a brace and extended Sundowns’ lead six minutes into the second half from a Sphelele Mkhulise ball, but the former hit the sidenetting.
City wasted a golden opportunity to pull one back after a well worked team ball ended on Hlayisi Chauke’s head, but his effort sailed off target in the 56th minute.
The visitors almost regretted that missed chance as Sundowns launched a counter a minute later with the Mkhulise-Letlhaku partnership being problematic again, and this time the end product from the teen was deflected for a corner.
Letlhaku finally bagged his second of the evening by extending Sundowns’ lead to 2-0 from Sales’ assist again in the 69th minute to seal the maximum points and avenge their defeat from a few days ago.
