Mamelodi Sundowns Clinch Historic Eighth Consecutive Betway Premiership Title After Crushing Chippa United

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their record-breaking eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title in emphatic style following a 3-0 demolition of Chippa United on Wednesday night at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Brazilians showcased their dominance and depth as they cruised to victory, extending their supremacy in South African football and cementing their status as the undisputed kings of the domestic league.

Head coach Rulani Mokwena made four changes to the starting XI that beat Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, with key players like Ronwen Williams, Lucas Suarez, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, and Thapelo Morena returning to the lineup.

Sundowns wasted no time asserting control, opening the scoring in the 11th minute through in-form striker Iqraam Rayners. The forward latched onto a loose ball inside the box and rifled it into the top corner to register his 14th league goal of the season.

Tashreeq Matthews had a chance to double the lead nine minutes later after a clever setup, but the winger’s effort sailed just wide. Moments later, Lucas Ribeiro forced a brilliant low save from Chippa’s goalkeeper Darren Johnson, as the pressure mounted.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Sundowns couldn’t extend their lead before halftime. Matthews took another crack at goal late in the first half but once again failed to find the target. Chippa United, meanwhile, struggled to muster any meaningful response and failed to trouble Williams between the sticks.

The second half saw Sundowns ramp up the intensity even further. Ribeiro had a close-range effort scrambled off the line in the early stages, and Rayners thought he had added a second, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Chippa’s best chance came via a long-range free-kick from Giovanni Philander that narrowly missed, providing a brief scare for the visitors. But that proved to be their only real opportunity in a game largely dictated by Masandawana.

Mokwena introduced Arthur Sales and Peter Shalulile midway through the second half in place of Rayners and Ribeiro, and the substitutions paid immediate dividends. Sales stunned the Chippa defence with a speculative cross-shot that caught Johnson off guard and flew into the roof of the net.

As the hosts desperately tried to pull one back, Sinoxolo Kwayiba headed over from a Ronaldo Maarman delivery, missing a rare opening.

Sundowns sealed the result — and the championship — in the final minute when Sales pounced on a poor clearance by Johnson, bundling the ball into the back of the net from close range.

This emphatic victory not only reaffirmed Mamelodi Sundowns’ domestic dominance but also highlighted their squad depth and tactical brilliance. Winning eight league titles in a row is an unmatched feat in the Premier Soccer League era and sets a new benchmark in South African football.

With continental ambitions still in play, Masandawana’s focus will now shift to maintaining momentum and possibly completing the season unbeaten — a further testament to their extraordinary consistency.

Starting Line-ups:

Chippa United: Johnson, Chabalala, Matrose, Makhele, Khumalo, Modise, Sithole, Ndlovu, Philander, Tyongwana, Kwayiba
Subs: Peters, Samkelo, Madingwane, Mashele, July, Molaoa, Sifiso, Bonani, Maarman

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Morena, Kekana, Suarez, Lebusa, Mokoena, Adams, Allende, Matthews, Rayners, Ribeiro
Subs: Onyango, Mudau, Mashego, Mvala, Aubaas, Maema, Sales, Maseko, Shalulile