A strange thing happened yesterday. For the first time ever, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates supporters came together and supported the latter in their quest to (a.) not lose against Mamelodi Sundowns and (b.) preferably beat them. 

Mamelodi Sundowns came into the game nine points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand. A loss against Pirates would equal the number of matches played with Chiefs but the lead would stay intact. Downs went a goal down in the first half and never recovered. 

“Ja difficult, on the results only, not the game. We came here and played as usual. Not happy because it’s my first defeat here in seven years, I thought I’d keep the results, they’ve been good,” Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane told SuperSport TV.

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The Brazilians controlled most of the game. Apart from a couple of set pieces and a Sirino shot that came off the woodwork their dominance didn’t lead to clear-cut goal scoring chances.  Orlando Pirates went ahead on the half-hour mark thanks to a nice move which was capped off by a Gabadinho Mhango finish. Pitso’s frustration showed when he had issues with Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe showboating.

“….You know it’s good for Maimane Phiri’s Games and Baba Mthethwa’s Games, we love it. Probably it’s going to be the flavour of the moment, kasi flavour but it’s the way it is. I don’t want to criticise or kill the youngster because he had a good game but it’s okay.”

Not only that he felt the whole country was against him. 

“It’s not easy to find collusion there, I saw the whole Soweto (Wednesday night) black and white and gold and black together. Then I know that Mamelodi Sundowns have become a problem in this country. We played against the country tonight and it is okay,” said Mosimane.

“It sends a statement and then you can go on and look at the club rankings, then you can also go look at the coach’s world rankings. I am at peace.”

Ugh… Whatever Pitso…

Pitso’s Sundowns may have reached their ceiling. Hlompo Kekana their engine is getting older and teams are beginning to figure them out. It’s too soon to count them out of championship race after one loss but 9 points is a very steep mountain to climb, especially with Chiefs playing they way they are.