Downs looking unstoppable

Leonardo Castro of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal with teammates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 February 2016 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Leonardo Castro of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates a goal with teammates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 February 2016 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Published Feb 11, 2016

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Sundowns continued last night with their habit of picking up three points and spanking anything in front of them.

Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly (christened CBD) once again inspired the Brazilians as they keep moving closer to claiming the Holy Grail that is the Absa Premiership.

Nothing could save Pirates, who were chasing shadows while Sundowns schooled them. Sundowns, on the other hand, had plenty of style with the CBD combination dazzling with their telepathic understanding.

The trio led the Brazilians’ attack with their arrow-shaped formation that has pierced many defences. They went into this match with a combined 19 goals.

Their strength is how well they complement each other, with any of them able to be the focal point of the attack while the other two play supporting roles on the flanks.

Even though Castro is the genuine forward in the trio, Billiat is the one who plays as the main forward with the Colombian on his right flank and Dolly on the left. But that order isn’t rigid – they switch it around with ease to confuse the poor souls who have to stop them.

The Buccaneers tried, with Issa Sarr constantly dropping back. It didn’t work that well and the trio combined to stretch their goals tally to 21.

Dolly started the move after picking up the ball before sending it to Billiat, who squeezed a beautiful through-ball that Castro put at the back of the net, while Ayanda Gcaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza could only watch even though they sandwiched the striker.

Brighton Mhlongo stood flat-footed, unable to do anything about it.

The goalkeeper, however saw the second one coming, as Dolly and Billiat mesmerised the defence in front of him with their smooth one-twos. Mhlongo managed to save Dolly’s shot, but it rebounded on the path of Billiat, who smashed it back. It ricocheted from the post into the net.

The Ghost was stunned into silence, only finding their voice to demand that coach Eric Tinkler bring on Lehlohonolo Majoro.

The mentor duly obliged, and the forward won the free kick that Mpho Makola smashed into Dennis Onyango’s net, bringing some respectability to the score-line.

l At Athlone, Black Aces came back from two goals down at half-time to earn a 2-2 result against Ajax Cape Town. – Additional reporting ANA

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