by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
The DSTV Premiership is back and there was nothing short of drama in the first fixture of the 2023/24 season when Sekhukhune United hosted defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening. An early penalty and two red cards that saw both teams remain with just 10 men on the pitch.
Goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Costa was enough to seal it for the Brazillians, while a lone goal from Jamie Webber from the opposition gave Sekhukhune some hope of coming back into the game.
Vusimusi Mncube and Rivaldo Coetzee were sent off for early showers during the match.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute of the match, after Edwin Gyimah was spotted handling the ball inside the box. In stepping up to the spot, Peter Shalulile sent goalkeeper Bangare Sangare the wrong way and gave his side the lead.
Vusimusi Mncube received his marching orders in the 16th minute after the referee for a challenge on Aubrey Modiba on the edge of the Downs area.
Sundowns doubled their lead in the 56th minute with a goal from Lucas Costa, with the hosts pulling one back on the hour mark through Jamie Webber who converted a clever freekick.
Sundowns’ Coetzee was shown a red card in the 85th minute, after the referee cited the midfielder for a retaliation incident with Webber.
Sundowns however managed to keep the two goals, winning the match and securing the three points.
Sundowns are up against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, while Sekhukhune will be looking at redeeming themselves in their next fixture against Cape Town Spurs at the Athlone Stadium. Kick-off for these matches are 3pm and 8pm respectively.