/ 1 December 2011

SuperSport remain top of PSL, Free State jump to third

SuperSport United retained their lead after a convincing 2-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League on Wednesday.

Seven league matches saw several teams jump two places, with notably the Free State Stars slotting into third position, though the two leading teams remained unchanged.

After relentless attacks from SuperSport Moffat Mdluli scored in the 36th minute at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, and Tebogo Langerman clinched an eighth-unbeaten match 11 minutes from the end to cement his team’s lead.

A failed comeback attempt in the second half saw Chiefs striker Bernard Parker shoot over the bar in the 69th minute, while rookie goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved Parker’s other attempt.

Meanwhile, second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Santos 5-2 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Mphela on top
National team striker Katlego Mphela is now the leading scorer in the league with nine goals after he netted the ball in the 80th and 87th minutes.

Early goals by Nyasha Mushekwi in the 14th and Teko Modise in the 25th put Sundowns in a comfortable lead.

Home team Santos fought back bravely with equalisers at the start of the second half by Eleazar Rodgers and Vuyisile Wana in the 51th and 66th minutes respectively.

Their relief was short-lived as Themba Zwane beat Tshepo Motsoeneng inside the near post in the 74th to put Sundowns in the lead again.

Meanwhile, defending champions Orlando Pirates jumped two places but still linger in mid-table after they beat Ajax Cape Town 1-0.

Playing smart
A series of intelligent passes led to Thulasizwe Mbuyane’s goal in the fifth minute. Benni McCarthy received the ball on the edge of the box from Daine Klate, then sent it to Mbuyane.

Goalkeeper Sander Westerveld could not rebut the opener.

Despite dominating possession, however, Pirates could not broaden their lead and lost spirit as the game progressed.

Veteran player McCarthy did his best to find good angles, but could not dodge an equally-experienced Matthew Booth.

The Free State Stars are now a surprise third on the log, having defeated Maritzburg United 2-0. Katlego Mashego was instrumental in a 19th-minute goal and scored himself in injury time. — AFP