The victory came a day after Patrick Maswanganyi converted an added-time penalty to snatch a 1-0 win for second-placed Orlando Pirates over Kaizer Chiefs in a Soweto derby. Defending champions Sundowns lead Pirates by six points having played one match more, ahead of a mid-season showdown between the title contenders in Pretoria on Saturday.

Sundowns are seeking an eighth consecutive league title, and Pirates a first since completing back-to-back triumphs in 2012. Shalulile came off the bench in the first half as Sundowns struggled to pierce a resolute Arrows defence in Pretoria.

His impact was immediate as Arrows' Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga fouled him, and Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro converted the penalty to become the leading Premiership scorer with seven goals. Shalulile scored twice in the second half before star South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena completed the rout on 85 minutes.

"When on the bench, I spotted some weaknesses in Arrows' defence and exploited them during the second half," said Shalulile. It was the second heavy loss suffered by Durban-based Arrows away to Sundowns this season after a 5-0 League Cup drubbing last October.

On Saturday, a capacity 90,000 crowd at the national stadium in Johannesburg had to wait 96 minutes before Pirates midfielder Maswanganyi scored his first Premiership goal this season.

He displayed nerves of steel to convert a 'Panenka' penalty - gently stroking the ball into the middle of the goal after goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma dived to his left. This was the fourth straight victory for Pirates over Chiefs in a 55-year rivalry after three wins last season.

February 3, 2025

Tito

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