DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw against a resilient Cape Town City at Loftus Versveld on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns were declared champions for a sixth consecutive season, without having kicked a ball in the league this weekend after SuperSport United failed to collect maximum points against Chippa United.
It marked a new record for the league being wrapped up with seven games to go and the first guard of honour was set-up at their home turf by last season’s runners-up, City.
Eric Tinkler’s side weren’t coming there to be rolled over, but showed the champion’s respect as they boasted more than 65% possession in the opening half, but Darren Keet wasn’t forced into making any spectacular saves.
Despite Rulani Mokwena putting out what’s been their ‘full-strength’ starting line-up since he took over as head coach, they weren’t at their fluid best, perhaps due to the questionable condition of the pitch at Loftus.
Perhaps the positives to take from the game was the second-half introductions of Abubeker Nasir and teenage sensation Siyabonga Mabena – who have been touted for huge futures within the Masandawana set-up.
City saw out the game with ten-man when Brice Ambina was sent off for two yellow cards, despite only being on the pitch for less than 30 minutes.
Sundowns moved 20 points ahead of Orlando Pirates, SuperSport and Kaizer Chiefs who occupy second, third, and fourth place in the league, while fifth-placed City trail the CAF Champions League-chasing sides by six points – with six games remaining.
