Mamelodi Sundowns secured a record ninth league title in the PSL era with a 1-0 win over Free State Stars in their final game of the season on Saturday afternoon.
Pitso Mosimane’s chargers knew heading into their final game of the season that no matter what happens off the field, with Wayne Arendse’s case still lurking in the background, that three points against Stars would see them retain the Absa Premiership crown.
The side from Bethlehem on the other hand were just as desperate for a result but for very different reasons as they looked to avoid relegation with a number of teams in the mix to go down.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, Downs created their first opening as a quick goal kick by Denis Onyango’s found Gaston Sirino who whipped in a delightful ball but Sibusiso Vilakazi could not find the target with his free header.
Just five minutes later and the Brazilians came close again as Hlompho Kekana drew Stars goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare into a smart save from a tight angle.
Themba Zwane was next to threaten as his came 23rd minute effort flew just wide.
Stars were finally starting to find their feet and created a couple of openings of their own when Sibusiso Hlubi fired in a free-kick which was well saved by Onyango before Mokhuoane’s long-range pile driver forced the Ugandan into an even better save.
It looked like the sides would go in level at the break but Sundowns found the break through at the perfect time when Vilakazi found Zwane in the box who mis controlled the ball before it fell to the feet of substitute Phakamani Mahlambi, who arrowed his effort in to the bottom right-hand corner.
1-0 at the break with Sundowns 45 minutes away from lifting the Absa Premiership trophy.
The second half was proving to be a tight affair as Stars looked for a way back into the game and avoid automatic relegation.
Stars then thought they got the massive equaliser in the 59th minute but the referee brought back play for a hand ball in the box and awarded Sundowns the free kick.
Both sides were trading efforts from distance, but neither side could manage to hit the target.
Eleazar Rodgers then had a massive chance for Stars heading into the final 10 minutes but he failed to keep his shot down.
Sundowns showed all their experience and know how as they managed to successfully see out the remainder of the game and pick up the three points which secured their second successive Absa Premiership crown.