ZIMBABWE international striker Cuthbert Malajila lit up the South African Premiership football side with a brace for his side Mamelodi Sundowns on the league’s return on Tuesday, on a night his two fellow Warriors mates Denver Mukamba and Eric Chipeta were also on target for their respective clubs.
BY HENRY MHARA
Second placed Sundowns thrashed Moroka Swallows 4-1 with Malajila heading his first goal of the night on 14th minute; just moments after Alje Schut had given the Brazilians their opener.
The 29-year completed his brace eight minutes later when he side-footed home from a cross, and almost grabbed a hat-trick towards the 30th minute mark following some brilliant piece of work from Siyanda Zwane on the right hand side, but Swallows goalkeeper Graig Etafia stretched his left leg to deny the Warriors man.
With the two goals, Malajila put himself well on course to win the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award as he is currently on seven goals, one behind the top goal scorer after 16 rounds of matches.
Kuda Mahachi and Khama Billiat played the entire match for Sundowns and both came close in scoring, the former fluffing a very good chance on 76th minute after being put through on goal but could not score from a one on one situation.
The win took Sundowns to 34 points from 18 games, 12 points behind Chiefs who were expected to play Bloemfontein Celtic last night. It was also a night to remember for Mukamba who scored his first ever league goal for Pretoria University, a winning effort in the team’s 2-1 victory over Chipeta’s Chippa United.
The former Dynamos midfield magician who is on loan from Bidvest University made an early impact with his rasping effort well gathered by Chilli Boys gloves man Mbongeni Mzimela in the 16th minute.
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He would grab his well-deserved goal in the second half with his trademark side-footed shot which he expertly directed into the back of the net via the inside of the post.
Chippa United had levelled the scores through a headed goal by halftime substitute Chipeta eight minutes into the second half. Washington Arubi and Patson Jaure played a full match for Pretoria University.
Meanwhile, former Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini has signed for South African National First Division outfit, Highlands Park on a free transfer from AmaZulu.
Kapini quit AmaZulu two weeks ago on the close of the mid-season transfer window.
The 30 year old arrived in South Africa from Highlanders in 2007 and joined Platinum Stars before crossing to AmaZulu four years later where he was skipper before the Durban side signed another former Warriors goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro two weeks ago.
