Champions Mamelodi Sundowns have shot to the top of the league with a narrow 1-0 victory over AmaZulu.
The opening DSTV premier league game on Friday was a slippery affair with players from both Sundowns and AmaZulu struggling to keep their footing.
The tight affair was settled in the 44 minute, after a mistake at the back by AmaZulu resulted in a penalty.
Themba Zwane steeped up and calmly slotted the ball into the net. His goal was the difference between champions Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu.
In the second half, Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu team had more possession, but they couldn’t find the back of the Sundowns’ net that was well guarded by veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
The 36-year-old Zambian wasn’t really tested, but he did enough to keep a clean sheet.
The defending champions took all three points at the empty Loftus Stadium, with Rivaldo Coetzee named man of the match. No fans were allowed into the stadium owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sundowns’ coach Rulani Mokwena called it an “important win … it was important to start on a winning note”.
Coach McCarthy said: “The pitch let us down a little bit”.
But he did acknowledge the champions didn’t need too many chances.
“That’s why they won the league … they have that little bit extra than everybody else,” said McCarthy.