Last weekend, the Premier Soccer League ended with Mamelodi Sundowns crowned 2018/19 league champions after beating Free State Stars by a goal-to-nil to clinch the prestigious title.
It was an interesting battle at the top of the log standings as Orlando Pirates at a one stage on Saturday afternoon were leading the pack, however Phakamani Mahlambi’s 44th minute goal ended Bucs’ hopes of finally securing silverware.
SportPesa Clubhouse column ambassador, Doctor Khumalo looked back at this past season and gave credit to the clubs that made this campaign one of the best in South African football history.
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“Last week, I congratulated Stellenbosch FC for being crowned National First Division champions and winning automatic promotion to the Absa Premiership. This week, it is Mamelodi Sundowns’ turn as they were crowned league champions after their 1-0 win over Free State Stars. The Chloorkop-based team has really done tremendously well, despite the hectic schedule they’ve had, as I mentioned in last week’s column. They absorbed the pressure and it would have been a cherry on top if they’d qualified for the final of the CAF Champions League to conclude the great season they’ve had. I would really have loved to see them go that far and possibly winning the tournament as well.
“Having said that, I must also give credit to Orlando Pirates for such a gallant effort and keeping Sundowns on their toes throughout the campaign. They really did well this season, despite not winning anything. If you look at the title race, reaching the final of the Telkom Knockout, and what Pirates have been through in recent seasons, you’ll agree with me that they did very well. For them to finish second, back-to-back, shows you the amount of effort being put behind the scenes. You also look at Bidvest Wits, Polokwane City and Cape Town City, who are among the teams that kept things exciting this season. We saw really good football and, like I said, we were very much entertained and credit to all the teams that played a role in this. Yes, we understand that the season wasn’t as kind to others.”
Khumalo went on to talk about the Nedbank Cup final between TS Galaxy and his former side, Kaizer Chiefs that will be taking place this weekend.
To read Doctor’s previous column click here
To see what ‘16V’ had to say about the importance of this match for Amakhosi, get yourself the latest copy of Soccer Laduma, issue 1123 and check out the SportPesaClubhouse column.
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