⚽ Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates draw in 'state of the nation' battle

Mamelodi Sundowns (1)

Shalulile 20’

Orlando Pirates (1)

Dansin 35’

Mamelodi Sundowns are like a cat. They are showing that nothing will stop them from achieving their ninth life (the title), as the people who were supposed to protect the state, the league, are allegedly in their back pocket.

Sundowns drew 1-1 with Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon. This was a testament to their intentions to win a record-extending ninth title in a row against a team that’s expected to be their challenger.

The Brazilians will take this draw in great stride as they continue to withstand the pressure of ensuring that they maintain their local and continental dominance. They are the league champions and recently qualified for a record 10th CAF Champions League group stage campaign.

Pirates, meanwhile, have to go back to the drawing board and ensure that they get their campaign back on track. They can’t afford to falter in the league, as that’s the way they can rescue their season after failing to qualify for the group stage.

While Sundowns are like a cat, this match had a feel of being the ongoing commission that’s taking place in the country - with the Brazilians as the prosecuting team and Pirates in defence.

So, with the Union Buildings a stone's throw away from here, it was fitting that this national matter was addressed in these parts. The pitch was immaculate, allowing all parties to either testify or deny their title ambitions this season.

And boy, they both testified. By the time the commission went for recess, there was no difference between the champions and the challenger, as both sides were deadlocked at 1-1.

The battle lines were drawn long before the start, though. When Pirates customarily placed objects on the goalmouth, the sprinklers opened up, almost washing them away before Sundowns officials returned to ensure the place was squeaky clean.

With the venue vacuumed and the skies clear, the two teams took to the field, accompanied by fireworks from the organisers, as the nation awaited one of the biggest events in the local sporting calendar.

Sundowns - the leaders of this commission - stood up first and made the opening address as expected, dictating matters in the engine room.

Thanks to their expertise and prowess, they took the game to the innocent-looking Camren Dansin. The youngster spilled all the beans due to his inexperience in facing a commission of this magnitude - like the great ‘Ndosi’.

It was a torrid time for the 'Nunu’. He endured it as some of his teammates were starting to yell at him. And that wasn’t a good showing for the Ghost, as they started to roll out the signs for him to be substituted.

His underwhelming performance aided the champions' advantage as they pounced first. Keanu Cupido stole the ball from Tshepang Moremi and linked up with Nuno Santos, who teed up Arthur Sales.

The lanky striker turned his cross in front of goal, finding Peter Shalulile, who side-footed his effort. The shot was parried by Sipho Chaine, but Shalulile was on hand to redirect the rebound into the back of the net.

That stunned the commission, which needed a quickfire response. And boy, who knew that the perfect response would come from none other than a witness who seemed to be the weakest link, Dansin?

Oswin Appollis whipped in a telling corner-kick that looked to be cleared by Sundowns’ defence team, but Dansin was on hand to hit a one-time thunderbolt that came off the underside of the crossbar, leaving the chairperson of this Sundowns team, Ronwen Williams, stunned.

It was the sort of response that Ndosi gave when he said to Nqola: “Do you know that Cat actually has the picture with the president?”

Things got so heated in this commission that Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso changed his t-shirt not once, but thrice. He started with a navy one, went for a gray one before ending the game with a white one.

The second half was expected to be all about Witness C'' spilling the beans on how the alleged perpetrator has affiliations with top brass in the state’s department of safety.

Lebone Seema produced a moment of brilliance, cutting Sundowns open with quick one-two passes; Williams was taking no bribes as he saved the defender’s clear shot at goal to save the champions and state leaders from defeat.

And that’s how things ended. Sundowns are still like a cat for now - and their pursuit for a ninth (title) continues - as the people who were supposed to protect the state are allegedly in their pocket.