Malibongwe Khoza reflects on victory over Kaizer Chiefs as Mamelodi Sundowns extend lead over Pirates to 18 points – ‘There was no pressure’

Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance over Nasreddine Nabi’s side by securing a 1-0 victory, completing a league double in the current season.

The win extended their lead at the top and put them in a strong position to defend their title with confidence. A brilliantly taken goal by Lucas Ribeiro sealed all three points and deepened the struggles of the Naturena-based team.

The 20-year-old defender reflected on the match and acknowledged the challenges they had faced throughout the game. He emphasized the importance of taking one match at a time while maintaining focus on their ultimate goal.

With the demanding fixture schedule, he stressed the need for proper recovery to sustain their performance levels. The team remains committed to managing their workload effectively to keep up their momentum in the league.

“We made sure that we managed the game very well because we knew the guys had just played midweek, and we had to control the game to get the goal and see it out,” Khoza said to Mamelodi Sundowns TV after the game.

He added, “Just like any other game, we focused on securing the three points so that we could extend the gap and stay at number one, and there was no pressure because we just needed to win the game anyhow to maintain our lead at the top, so we had to play the game and not the occasion.”

He concluded, “We have at least a few days to recover, and we just need to use that time well before going to Durban, where we have to play a proper game and win it properly.”

Khoza, in his debut season, has displayed impressive maturity and composure beyond his years. At just 20, he has confidently competed alongside experienced defenders such as Mosa Lebusa, Grant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala.

In the match against Chiefs, he formed a solid partnership with Lucas Suarez, ensuring a clean sheet and securing three vital points. His recent absence from the starting lineup was addressed by coach Miguel Cardoso, who highlighted the need to manage his development carefully. The coach remains focused on nurturing him as a future defensive prospect for the club.

Masandawana will face Golden Arrows next, boasting the best goal-scoring record and the most solid defensive setup in the league.

Lucas Ribeiro, who leads the race for Player of the Year, currently tops the scoring charts with 12 goals. The Musa Bilankulu-coached side sits in 11th place, trailing by a massive 30-point difference. Sundowns aim to maintain their dominance and extend their lead with another commanding performance.