Sundowns Secure 8th Successive Betway Premiership Title After Defeating Chippa United

• Mamelodi Sundowns crowned 2024-25 Betway Premiership champions after 3-0 win over Chippa United at the Buffalo City Stadium
• The Brazilians continue to dominate the Betway Premiership as they make it eight wins in a row this season with Orlando Pirates finishing second
• Last summer signing Iqraam Rayners and Artur Sales were on target as Masandawana cruise to victory away from home

Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of the 2024-25 Betway Premiership after defeating Chippa United 3-0 at the Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the first half, and Artur Sales secured a second-half brace to give the Brazilians a deserved win over the Chilli Boys, claiming the South African top-flight league title for the eighth consecutive season.

Orlando Pirates also thrashed Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening, but it was not enough to stop Masandawana from clinching the league title for the eighth successive seasons.

Sundowns clinch Betway Premiership title

Mamelodi Sundowns came out firing from the start, with Rayners forcing a shot wide in the opening seconds.

The pressure paid off in the 11th minute when Rayners struck with precision, sending the ball soaring into the top corner to give Sundowns the lead.

Tashreeq Matthews spotted space and unleashed a shot towards goal in the 20th minute, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.

In the 21st minute, Chippa United goalkeeper Johnson was called into action by Lucas Ribeiro and made a confident save to deny the Brazilian star’s strike.

Six minutes before halftime, Matthews tried his luck again, curling a left-footed shot that went over the bar.

The first half ended with Sundowns leading 1-0, although they could have extended their advantage with better finishing.

In the 54th minute, Sundowns nearly doubled their lead, but Ribeiro’s shot was cleared off the line by a Chippa defender.

Rayners appeared to score in the 57th minute, but the linesman flagged for offside.

In the 69th minute, Sales doubled Sundowns’ lead with a spectacular and opportunistic strike that caught the goalkeeper off guard, thrilling the crow

Sales completed his brace by scoring the third goal, sealing a commanding victory for Sundowns and securing the Betway Premiership title.

What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns?

With the Betway Premiership wrapped up this midweek, Mamelodi Sundowns’ main focus now shifts to the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.

They qualified for the final after defeating defending champions Al Ahly in the semis, and it led to the sacking of Marcel Koller.

The first leg of the final will take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, 24 May 2025, followed by the second leg a week later at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Miguel Cardoso: The game changer!

Coach Miguel Cardoso's leadership has been instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns' success this season. Cardoso was appointed in December 2024 after Sundowns' shocking defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Cardoso was tasked to bring back the confidence in the team and he did just that, leading the team to the CAF Champions League final and a record eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title.

His tactical acumen and ability to motivate the squad have helped the team maintain an edge over competitors. Cardoso’s approach blends disciplined defence with creative attacking play, as demonstrated in Mamelodi Sundowns' matches.

After securing an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, Sundowns have set a new benchmark in South African football history, surpassing records previously held by clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns' remarkable run reflects the club’s investment in talent development, strategic management and a winning culture that has become synonymous with the club brand.

Their dominance in the league underscores their status as a powerhouse in African football.

Cardoso backs Sundowns star for PSL Award

Briefly News previously reported that Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has backed Lucas Ribeiro Costa to claim a major individual award, highlighting the player's impact on the field.

Ribeiro Costa has been in exceptional form this season, consistently shining in crucial moments for the Brazilians.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Source: Briefly News