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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns brought their triumphant 2015/16 Absa Premiership season to a close with a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The champions’ victory sees them end with two records: a haul of 71 points (for a 16-team PSL season) and a lead of 14 points at the end of the season over second-placed Bidvest Wits. Both marks eclipse the previous records set by Kaizer Chiefs last season.
Sundowns dominated the opening period of the match and were rewarded midway through the first half when Khama Billiat ran onto a long pass from Keagan Dolly, cut inside a couple of defenders and provided a cool finish past Mbongeni Mzimela to make it 1-0 to the hosts.
The Brazilians were able to hold onto their advantage up to the half time mark and head into the break with the ascendancy very much in their favour. Stars made two changes early in the second half in an attempt to boost their attacking midfield ranks, with Sibusiso Msomi and Robert Ng’ambi both being introduced off the bench.
However, ‘Downs remained in charge of the match and looked the likelier scorers, though the end-of-season atmosphere meant they didn’t push as hard for further goals as they normally would have.
The closest Dikwena claimed to an equaliser was when Thabo Nthethe was penalised for a hand-ball in the 18-yard box. Ndumiso Mabena took the spot kick, but saw his effort well saved by the ‘Downs goalkeeper.
Despite the defeat, Platinum Stars finished third on the Absa Premiership log and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Billiat 23’)
Platinum Stars 0
