English 
German Mamelodi Sundowns Crowned Champions of DStv Premiership
DStv Premiership
Result: Royal AM 2-3 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 23 May 2022
Venue: Chatsworth Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of DStv Premiership for the 5th season after completing the 2021/22 season with an entertaining 3-2 win over Royal AM on Monday afternoon.
The Brazilians had at least 17 players ruled out for the last fixture of the season after a flu outbreak in the team.
Goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, Themba Zwane, and Andile Jali, who all started in the loss against Stellenbosch last Saturday missed out. Meanwhile, Kennedy Mweene, Gaston Sirino, Lyle Lakay, and Sphelele Mkhulise were recalled into the team.
The visitors were the first to take the lead in the 14th minute from Sirino’s well-executed side-footed low volley after getting on the end of Mkhulise’s cross.
The Brazilians settled thereafter, controlling much of the game, but with little urgency going forward. The home side picked up the pace of the game at the death of halftime as they put Sundowns under pressure but they were unable to trouble the champions.
Thabiso Kutumela doubled their lead at the start of the second stanza with a first-time strike after a beautiful move right from the back.
Peter Shalulile made it 3-0 with a tap-in after he was unselfishly laid by Thabiso Mokoena for his 23rd goal in the league.
Letsoalo had the chance to reduce the goal deficit from the spot-kick but his effort was saved by Mweene. However the forward later made amends seven minutes later after tapping in from close range from a cut-back by teammate Tebogo Potsane.
Thwihli Thwahla added the second three minutes later through Mokete Mogaila who fired home a thunderous strike at the near post after the Brazilians failed to deal with a corner.
The hosts kept the pressure on but could not break down the visitors who completed the season on a high after the disappointing weekend at home in their second-last game.
Mamelodi Sundowns completed the season on 65 points, sixteen points above second-placed Cape Town City, and scored 56 goals in the 2021/22 DSTV Premiership season, a new record in the 30-game PSL era (previously Chiefs 04/05 and Sundowns 15/16 both 55).
The Brazilian’s Namibian striker Peter Shalulile has finished as the top scorer in the league with 23 goals.
Nedbank Cup
Up next for Mamelodi Sundwons is the Nedbank Cup Final against Gallants on Saturday on Saturday 28 May 2022.
About Author
