Shalulile’s Double Leads Sundowns to 4-0 Victory Over Golden Arrows

Namibia captain Peter Shalulile played a pivotal role in Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominant 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Sunday, marking their biggest win of the South African Premiership season.

#BetwayPrem – RESULT:@Masandawana deliver a flawless performance as they secure ALL three points at home. pic.twitter.com/qHklyGsbVx

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) February 2, 2025

The result came just a day after Orlando Pirates secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby, with Patrick Maswanganyi converting a last-minute penalty. This keeps Sundowns six points ahead of second-placed Pirates, having played one match more. The two teams are set for a crucial mid-season showdown in Pretoria this Saturday.

#SowetoDerby | #BetwayPrem🏆

FT|| @orlandopirates 1 v 0 @KaizerChiefs

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/px1kt4aMiX

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) February 1, 2025

Sundowns, the defending champions, are chasing their eighth consecutive league title, while Pirates aim for their first since 2012, following back-to-back triumphs in that year.

The match in Pretoria started slowly for Sundowns, who struggled to break down a solid Golden Arrows defense. Shalulile was introduced in the first half and quickly made an impact. The Arrows goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga, fouled him in the box, resulting in a penalty that was confidently converted by Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro. Ribeiro’s goal also saw him take the lead as the Premiership’s top scorer with seven goals.

Shalulile then took center stage in the second half, scoring twice before Teboho Mokoena completed the 4-0 rout in the 85th minute.

“I watched the game from the bench and noticed some weaknesses in Arrows’ defense, which I exploited in the second half,” said Shalulile after the match.

This was Arrows’ second heavy loss to Sundowns this season, after they were defeated 5-0 in the League Cup last October.

In the earlier Soweto derby, a crowd of 90,000 at the national stadium in Johannesburg had to wait until the 96th minute for Maswanganyi’s penalty, which proved to be the match-winner. His calm ‘Panenka’ finish, rolling the ball into the middle of the goal, secured a fourth consecutive win for Pirates over Chiefs, continuing their dominance in the 55-year rivalry.