Mamelodi Sundowns made it 11 consecutive victories in the DStv Premiership after their 1-0 win over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby at Loftus Versveld on Monday evening.
SuperSport started the game with two players short on the bench due to injuries and three players being ineligible to play due to being on loan from Sundowns.
Ricardo Goss, Grant Margeman and Thabang Sibanyoni were the players Hunt couldn’t call upon while first-choice defensive pairing Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Thulani Hlatshwayo were ruled out through injury.
But with their backs against the wall in the first round, they managed to secure a 2-1 win at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium and in the build-up to the second round, Rulani Mokwena compared Hunt to a Honey Badger, saying he will fight and come up with a plan.
And it was fairly equal in the opening half, only separated by Neo Maema as Cassius Maulila’s cut-back was slotted in with aplomb past a flailing George Chigova.
The second half proved to be the moment Sundowns took control of most of the possession with Matsatsansa looking for the odd breakaway on the counter. But it proved ineffective as the defensive pairing of Rushine de Reuck and Mothiba Mvala remained rock solid.
Three points for Sundowns prevented a historic potential double for their cross-town rivals while it meant they 14 points clear of second-placed Richards Bay and 16 ahead of Hunt’s men – albeit having played one game more.
But the 11 wins signifies the dominance Masandawana have on their domestic rivals as they now prepare to face a wounded Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
