Williams’ blunder proves costly as 10-man Sundowns miss chance to dislodge Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns missed an opportunity to go top of the PSL table following 1-1 draw with Siwelele FC in a game that they finished with 10 men.

Sundowns had seen Orlando Pirates overtake them at the weekend, when Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side beat Richards Bay to go three points clear, but would have gone top on goal difference had they won at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.

However, they shot themselves in the foot when a defensive blunder handed Siwelele an easy goal. Sundowns’ attempt to play out from the back went horribly wrong when Thashreeq Matthews casually passed to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

How did Williams hand it to Siwelele?

Williams took a poor touch of the ball which bounced awkwardly and before he could clear it, former Kaizer Chiefs star Teboho Potsane robbed him and passed on an onrushing Vincent Pule who slotted into an empty net as the Bafana Bafana No.1 was left embarrassed.  

Siwelele would hold on to take a 1-0 lead at the break but Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made a flurry of changes in the second half, bringing in four players, which would yield the equaliser through Lebo Mothiba 15 minutes from time.

However, Sundowns, who had been forced into an early change, when Grant Kekana went off injured after five minutes to be replaced by Keagan Johannes, did not finish the game with their full complement.

Downs finish the year in unfamiliar position

Teboho Mokoena was sent off for a second bookable offence nine minutes from time after a rash challenge as he went to stop a counterattack.

Siwelele would fail to utilise the one-man advantage but still managed a priceless point that leaves Sundowns second on 26 points from 14 games, two behind Pirates, who have played one match less.

It was the final match of 2025 for the Brazilians who will finish the year not in first place for the first time in a long time.