by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – MAMELODI Sundowns are celebrating a record-extending eighth domestic championship in the South African league.
The Pretoria outfit wrapped the Betway Premiership in style with a 3-0 win at Chippa United on Wednesday evening.
Arthur Sales, with a second-half double, to add to an early goal by Iqraam Rayners, scored as Downs secured the title at the Buffalo City Municipality Stadium.
This raised their points tally to an unassailable 70 points with three games left.
Orlando Pirates, the only side that had a mathematical chance of dislodging The Brazilians, had kept the title race alive with a similar scoreline against relegation-threatened Golden Arrows the previous evening but coming to this encounter against mid-table Chippa, Sundowns needed a single point.
Pirates complete an emotional week on 55 points, with a game in hand.
Last weekend, they lost the Nedbank Cup final to Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, and on Tuesday, bade farewell to their lovable coach, the Spaniard Jose Riveiro.
Portuguese born coach, Jose Cardoso, is at the helm of Mamelodi Sundowns.
For Sundowns, focus now shifts to the two-legged final of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League where they are to play Egyptian side, Pyramids FC later this month.
