Pretoria – Mamelodi Sundowns trounced Moroka Swallows 5-0 in the opening match of the Gauteng Football Cup tournament at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
The defending Premiership champions scored four second-half goals after they led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a solitary goal scored by captain Alje Schut.
Sundowns put on a show for their supporters who came in their numbers to cheer on the team that ended a seven-year league title drought last season.
The Brazilians put on a brilliant second-half performance, which was a one-sided affair for the most part.
Sundowns' striker Katlego Mashego displayed his sharpshooting skills with a well-drilled free-kick that doubled the lead in the 50th minute.
Then Rodney Magalagalela capitalised on a mistake by the Swallows' defence to make it 3-0 in the 73rd minute. Exciting midfielder Themba Zwane, playing in his first official match since his return from loan, followed with a brace to round off the match.
The skilful Zwane's first goal came from the penalty spot in the 74th minute. In the 86th minute he finished off a great combination play with Luyolo Nomandela to seal an emphatic victory for the champions. – Sapa