The moment Sundowns were crowned PSL champions [video]

Mamelodi Sundowns successfully defended their PSL crown on Saturday by clinging on for a 1-0 win over Free State Stars at Bible Park on Saturday.

The title is the Tshwane giants’ third in the last four seasons and a record ninth overall, putting them four clear of their closest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates who each have four apiece.

This after having been neck and neck with the Buccaneers throughout the latter stages of the campaign, with the race going into the very last day where the Brazilians briefly relinquished top spot.

Pirates had raced to a 3-0 lead in their fixture against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, which momentarily placed them level on points with Sundowns, putting them on top of the log due to superior goal difference.

However, an injury to Gaston Sirino proved to be a blessing in disguised for the defending champs, as Phakamani Mahlambi came on in the six minutes from the break – making his mark four minutes later to give his side the lead.

With Pirates having pretty much done all they could to try snatch the title from Sundowns’ nose, it was up to Pitso Mosimane’s men to maintain their lead and they had to endure a spirited Stars performance, as the hosts’ survival rested on them equalising.

That equaliser would remain elusive, with Sundowns shutting up shop to secure a second consecutive league title, which was also a record fourth at the club for Mosimane, while Stars dropped down to the first division for the first time since returning to the top flight in 2007.

Watch Mamelodi Sundowns crowned PSL champions in video below:

Relive this moment with us as the 2018/2019 #AbsaPrem Champions @Masandawana are crowned ??? pic.twitter.com/U6aNMUIcaJ

— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) May 11, 2019