It’s match day, Masandawana! Tickets were sold, the gates were opened to let the games begin.
It was spring-time, the weather was sunny and the grass was green and ready to be played on. The fans were coming in numbers to support the big teams. The stands were full of Sundowns supporters in their colourful yellow kit, ready to watch the games. It all started in their PSL games, the boys were raving and showing their pace and skills on the field. Running with passion and with the spirit of winning the battle.
The meticulous boys of Mamelodi Sundowns, with the likes of a marvellous combination of “CBD” Castro, Billiat and Dolly, a good combination at the time. Fans knew that once the ball was passed to Dolly, crossing to Castro, then with the brilliant finishing touches of Billiat, a goal was definitely going to be scored.
And Yes! The brilliant Billiat scored the goal!
The celebration was overwhelming, the fans singing “Mbobo Vuleka” – that was a song of victory to Masandawana. They knew after cheering and cheering, a goal was definitely going to be scored; Khama Billiat did the magical touches with the help of his teammates.
The games were always on fire. Sundowns never disappointed with the likes of their captain bra Hlompho Kekana; a man good with long-range goals. He was just too excellent. Hlompho was too brilliant for defenders and his long range balls were just powerful to be stopped. Once he takes a corner or a free kick, the fans know that a goal is definitely going to be netted.
The games were going on week in and week out. The boys had a tight schedule because they had to defend their three cup titles.
The train kept on moving like a Gautrain, it collected three points wherever it stopped. That’s how they became the PSL champions in the 2015-2016 season. It didn’t end there as they also participated in CAF Champions League the very same season, and amazingly they also scooped the title.
Earlier in 2017, the moving train had to play for the Club World Cup Title. They had to win it. That’s how Mamelodi Sundowns is, always on fire and never disappoint.
Each and every game was taken seriously. For head-coach, Mr Pitso Mosimane and his technical team, the goal was to collect as much trophies each season.
Months passed by and the boys came back with a big zeal from the break, but sadly the 2016-17 season was not theirs. They couldn’t win any major cup, but they kept on pushing until the season ended.
The train started on a slow pace, but we knew it would pick up pace when time went on. They came back with new signings, the likes of Jeremy Brockie, Gaston Sirino, Aubrey Ngoma. We knew that there would be a new combination forward to score sizzling goals. They took each game as it came and the train started to pump up.
It moved as fast as it could, just to be on top of the log by the end of the season. The boys were always working as a team, the unity, the love and enjoyment was super amazing. They always delivered positive results, be it a draw or a win – the aim was to take the PSL title the eighth time.
Support from fans was always on fire. Singing “Umoya wam uyavuma!” and yes! Yes! They made it, with all the hard work they put in the season. It was their last game of the season, playing against Bloemfontein Celtic, when they were crowned the PSL Champions of 2017-18. A historical season for them.
Special thanks to the president of Mamelodi Sundowns, Mr Patrice Motsepe, for making a friendly game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona happen. History was made on this day.
The sky is the limit!
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