Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba.
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende was humility personified after scoring the match-winner against Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night.
The diminutive midfielder sent Sundowns to the summit of the Betway Premiership table with a 63rd-minute strike following a clinical assist from substitute Lebo Mothiba.
Allende, who subsequently named Player of the Match, expressed delight in his post-match acceptance speech at Mothiba’s performance rather than focusing on his own goal.
“I am happy for Lebo for the assist. (I am) happy for him because he has not played for a long time, and this will mean a lot to him,” said Allende during the television interview.
Considering that was Allende’s sixth league goal of the season, many in his position would have used the post-match interview to express their personal ambitions for the campaign.
After all, Allende’s performances so far this season have been crucial in keeping Sundowns in Premiership title contention, especially with Orlando Pirates showing serious intent.
There is no doubt that the Chilean’s name is on the shortlist for either the PSL Player or Midfielder of the Season, particularly should Sundowns clinch the title.
On the other hand, Mothiba has found life tough since arriving at Sundowns in the 2024/25 season. In 18 inconsistent appearances, he has scored only two goals and provided the same number of assists.
“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 coach Miguel Cardoso, reacting to the effectiveness of Mothiba’s introduction in his post match interview.
“The reality is that you are going to need everybody at the end of the championship.”
Wednesday’s win allowed Sundowns to open a two-point gap over second-placed Pirates, who return to action on Tuesday night when they visit Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
Sundowns will have the chance to put Pirates under even more pressure when they face Polokwane in the return leg on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.