Lebo Mothiba of Mamelodi Sundowns was a special substitution in the Betway Premiership against Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night.
Image: BackpagePix
MAMELODI Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admitted he was lucky with the substitution that led to his side beating Polokwane City 1-0 in their Betway Premiership encounter at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night.
The substitution in question saw striker Lebo Mothiba come off the bench and, with his first touch, assist Marcelo Allende, who scored the solitary goal that saw the Brazilians return to the summit of the league table with 61 points.
“Sometimes we are lucky but, of course, we have a purpose. Sometimes things take longer and when they work out you may look like the best coach in the world,” said Cardoso, reacting to the effectiveness of Mothiba’s introduction. “The reality is that you are going to need everybody at the end of the championship.”
Cardoso’s troops headed to Seshego eager to return to winning ways and leapfrog Orlando Pirates at the top of the table. For 60 minutes, it looked as if Polokwane would continue where they left off, as the net remained untouched.
That was until the introduction of Mothiba, who replaced Peter Shalulile in the 63rd minute; with his first touch, he assisted the Chilean, Allende, who netted his sixth of the season.
After that goal, the momentum shifted entirely against the home side. The Brazilians were all over them and, as a result, were awarded a dubious penalty in the 73rd minute. However, the football gods were not going to allow it — goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula saved Mothiba's poorly executed Panenka.
“We played a wonderful game under the conditions we were provided; very interesting in terms of focus and player determination. I am so happy for the boys. We did the job, and we have another game against Polokwane at the weekend, and surely it will be another tough one,” said Cardoso.
Sundowns now look to the return leg against City on Sunday, even though other league matches will be on hold due to the Nedbank Cup final in Polokwane. Second-placed Pirates return to action on Tuesday with a visit to Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.