Mamelodi Sundowns edges past Kaizer Chiefs to keep GDL top spot
Mamelodi Sundowns edged past Kaizer Chiefs at Clapham High on the weekend, claiming a 1-0 victory to maintain their position at the top of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) standings.
Sundowns headed into the clash high in confidence, having run up a 13-match unbeaten streak in the league.
However, coach Surprise Moriri would have been wary of Kaizer Chiefs. The Amakhosi handed the Brazilians their only loss of the season thus far when the sides met in the second round of GDL fixtures.
As expected, the match was a battle of tactics, directed by two of the league’s leading coaches, Moriri, of ‘Downs, and David Mathebula, of Chiefs, who both enjoyed very successful playing careers.
After a heated battle, the result, as it often does, came down to one simple but vital matter, clinical finishing. On this occasion, Mamelodi Sundowns scored the one and only and all-important goal to pick up their 13th win of the season and another three points.
Having ceded top spot to Sundowns a few weeks ago, Randburg AFC had a point to prove.
They were away at Joburg City on Saturday and, given their impressive record away from home this season, coach Skhosiphi Mgobozi‘s side would have fancied their chances of coming away with a win.
Joburg City, under coach Thato Mosala, have enjoyed a good season thus far and would have been confident, too, although they had produced middling performances in recent weeks.
The game, though, went Randburg AFC’s way. They powered their way to a 3-0 win, which means only two points continue to separate them from the log-leading Sundowns.
Wits Junior has endured a tough season, but they’ve been a tough out for their opposition and, on Saturday, they pulled off the weekend’s most impressive upset when they beat SuperSport United 1-0.
In other results, the defending GDL champions, Highlands Park, thrashed the league newbies Elspark United Academy 6-0, while School of Excellence and Kathorus Hyper settled for a goalless draw in their fixture.
Jomo Cosmos picked up a 2-1 win over Remember Elite Sport Academy 2-1, while Seven’s Academy lost 1-4 to Panorama FC.
RESULTS
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Jomo Cosmos 2-1 Remember Elite Sport Academy
School of Excellence 0-0 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Joburg City 0-3 Randburg AFC
Seven’s Academy 1-4 Panorama FC
SuperSport United 0-1 Wits Junior
Elspark United Academy 0-6 Highlands Park
