Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the Premier League title with a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates amid a carnival mood at the Odi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers, who finished as heart-breaking runners-up for the second successive year, needed a 6-0 victory to emerge champions in what was the final game of the season, and were never truly in with a chance of achieving this pipe dream.
Ultimately, the record books will show that Sundowns beat Pirates by three points and an 11-goal difference, with The Brazilians’ supporters gathering to celebrate the occasion as early as 11am in a manner that would not have been out of place in pulsating Rio de Janeiro.
The hero of the afternoon was Sundowns and former Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse, who capped a long and distinguished career by saving what appeared three certain goals — and generally performing again like a man for the big occasion.
Ironically, however, it was the more defensively minded Sundowns who had the best scoring opportunities of the game, with Venezuelan international striker Jose Torrealba (twice) and Surprise Moriri failing to take advantage of gilt-edged opportunities.
The exaggerated tension among the players, allied to the bumpy playing surface, produced nothing like a classic game, with a frustrated Pirates resorting to some dubious tackling towards the end.
Torrealba was often the victim and after being roughed-up on several occasions, finally limped off the field in the 76th minute to be replaced by Lerato Chabangu.
It was only in the final five minutes that the aura of unreal and artificial tension lifted as the Sundowns contingent on the field accepted the inevitability of their triumph — and the stands at this quixotic stadium erupted with vibrant sounds of joy. — Sapa