Mailula & Domingo Grab Braces As Sundowns Crush Maritzburg

Mamelodi Sundowns ended what has been tumultuous few days with a thumping 5-0 win over Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday night.

A club that has been stable for a number of years, even after the departure of coach Pitso Mosimane in September 2020 in what was the biggest shock in the domestic game, but the hierarchy weren’t pleased with the latest team’s performance.

Manqoba Mngqithi was demoted to the Senior Coach on Monday, with Steve Komphela, who was holding that role, promoted to First Team Coach, with Rulani Mokwena now the club Head Coach.

This after Sundowns were crushed 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium over the weekend.

Before the goals were scored, the game in Pietermaritzburg was delayed for 55 minutes due to the lightning and thunder which is expected during this time in KwaZulu-Natal capital during this time of the season.

While the last time these two sides met at the same venue in March, Maritzburg controversially won 2-1 at the end through the penalty of Amadou Soukouna, Sundowns said this was not going to occur again.

Haashim Domingo brought the daylight to what has been tough days for the club, side footing in the 26th minute following a galloping run by Thapelo Morena, who located him with a cross.

Mokwena was left clapping for the goal in the dugout, something he and the rest of his team needed.

Three minutes later, Morena, from the provider for Domingo’s goal, this time put his name on the score sheet, passing into the net after a perfect layoff by Neo Maema.

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Cassius Mailula put his name on the score sheet, scoring an easy goal, his first league goal, in the 45th minute, benefiting from Morena’s cross. This after Thabo Moloisane and goalie Fru Anye Derick of Maritzburg were all ball watching.

Domingo completed his brace in the 67th minute, an identical finish from his first goal to direct his foot from Morena’s in point cross.

Mailula was not left out to grab his brace, running to the pass of Surprise Ralani to round off Anye Derick to see Sundowns get their fifth goal of the night in the 76th minute.

This thumping victory over Maritzburg sees Sundowns end their winless streak in Pietermaritzburg since September 2019.

Sundowns also extended their lead at the top of the standing to 25 points after 11 matches, three ahead of second-placed Richards Bay with a game in hand.