Ndlovu scores stunning double for Sundowns

Ndlovu scores stunning double for Sundowns

PETER NDLOVU

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By Mahlatse Mphahlele

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 5
Winstanley 54, Ndlovu 56, 60, Moriri 68, 83
Manning Rangers (0) 1
Meiring 90

HM Pitje Stadium - Now it's clearly understandable why Patrice Motsepe secured the signature of Peter Ndlovu.

The Mamelodi Sundowns president shattered the South African transfer market record by luring the Zimbabwe captain to Chloorkop, and on Sunday, Ndlovu showed his true worth.

Ndlovu gave a classy striker's performance with two brilliant goals.

And former Sundowns and Bafana Bafana striker Phil Masinga watched as Ndlovu increased Sundowns' lead to 2-0 in the 56th minute with a blistering long-range drive.

Receiving the ball from just outside the Rangers penalty area, Ndlovu unleashed a powerful strike that gave Chad Harpur no chance.

Motsepe led the celebration with a high-five, but the Bulawayo Bullet was in the mood to fire again.

Four minutes later, he took his league tally to four goals, but this time with a superb header.

Rangers had conceded a free-kick just outside the box.

Midfielder Godfrey Sapula, a set-piece specialist, spotted Ndlovu and the striker rose high to head the ball home.

Ndlovu ran to the Sundowns supporters on the far side, celebrating his goal and, perhaps, hoping to silence his critics.

After all, he is now among the leading goalscorers in the league.

Before Ndlovu's heroics, defender Neil Winstanley took advantage of poor Rangers
defending when he found himself unmarked in the box.

He volleyed home in the 54th minute to open Downs' account.

The way the visitors played showed why they had conceded eleven goals prior to this match and are yet to earn an away point after four games on the road.

Though Rangers were poor in all aspects of their game, it must be noted, however, that Sundowns were by no means world-beaters.

How on earth they went into the break without scoring is a question the players will have to answer to coach Paul Dolezar at training this morning.

Sundowns did, however, create more inviting chances in the second half after the introduction of midfielder Siaka Tiene.

Tiene created two goals with brilliant crosses from the left flank.

The other substitute who made his mark in this game was Surprise Moriri, who also scored a brace.

Moriri headed from a corner taken by young Thabiso Rammile in the 68th minute.

And with seven minutes remaining, Moriri registered his brace following a Rammile set-piece.

The visitors finally scored when striker Alton Meiring beat Brian Baloyi with a blistering long-range drive.

But the afternoon belonged to Ndlovu, who, at the beginning of the season, said he preferred to be judged on the field of play, not on his reputation.
The Star
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