Mamelodi Sundowns were at their goal-scoring best, and conceding worst, in the Betway Premiership this weekend owing to a goal-laden 7-4 victory over Siwelele, as the race for the league title reached fever pitch.
In a game that included a five-goal rout by Sundowns in the first half and also featured hat-trick scorers on each side, Sundowns took their tally to 68 points with one game left to play. Second-placed Orlando Pirates will now face Magesi on Saturday night and hope to close the gap on their rivals in their remaining three fixtures.
Sundowns controlled the early exchanges of the match as the reigning league champions settled well on the ball. While Teboho Mokoena tested Ricardo Goss with a shot from range in the sixth minute, the Downs midfielder broke the deadlock a minute later.
Following a resulting corner, the ball fell into Mokoena's path, who slotted home a right-footed shot from the centre of the box.
Downs then doubled their advantage moments later with a goal by Tashreeq Matthews, who capped off a swift passing move with a header from close range.
With Sundowns in full control of the tie, Siwelele struggled under their 70 plus ball possession statistic, while the Brazilians actively searched for their third goal of the match midway through the first-half.
Siwelele’s troubles compounded in the 24th minute after Brayan Leon’s dangerous shot at goal resulted in Nyiko Mobbie turning the ball into his own net. The travelling side managed to draw one back at the half-hour mark after Gamphani Lungu got his name on the scoresheet with a left footed strike inside the area moments after a quick break.
Downs rushed to a five-goal tally before the halftime whistle as Matthews increased his contribution in the 37th minute, while Leon finished a well-worked passing move in the 42nd minute.
Not holding back, Siwelele scored five minutes into the new half with Lungu making his way toward the box before finishing with a left-footed shot inside the 18-yard-area. In a case of one step forward and two steps back, Downs added their sixth goal in the 53rd minute with Leon meeting Nuno Santos’ cross at the back post with a timely header.
Leon, who was alert the entire match, completed his hat-trick shortly before the hour mark with a well-taken volley inside the box following a period of mounting pressure by Sundowns inside the Siwelele half.
A hat-trick for Brayan León and seven for Mamelodi Sundowns 🟡⚽🔥
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 9, 2026
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While Sundowns looked menacing going forward, Siwelele added a third goal in the 64th minute with Relebogile Mokhuoane finding the net from outside the area in what proved to be a rare attacking moment for the visitors.
Siwelele were then awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after Divine Lunga was penalised for committing a foul in his box. Stepping up to the spot, Lungu joined Leon on the hat-trick sheet with a right-footed shot beyond Ronwen Williams.
As the game came to a close, Siwelele looked lively in their pursuit of another goal, while Downs battled to make their passes stick in the final third toward the final whistle.
Mamelodi Sundowns: (5) 7 (Mokoena 7’, Matthews 9’ 37’, Mobbie OG 24’, Leon 41’ 53’ 59’)
Siwelele: (1) 4 (Lungu 30’, 50’, 81’, Mokhuoane 65’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Modiba (Lunga 76’), Ndamane, Kekana, Mudau, Mokoena (Mkhulise 68’), Allende, Matthews (Sales 64’), Santos (Ntsabeleng 68’), Letlhaku, Leon (Rayners 68’
Siwelele: Goss, Rapoo (Baliti 73’), Mobbie, Ndebele, Mfolozi, Jeza, Margeman, Mokhuoane (Letshedi 77’), Potsane (Ngwato 74’), Lungu, Moralo (Mazibuko 58’)