Newcomer Nku nets twice as Sundowns crush Arrows in South Africa

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Lesiba Nku marked his first start for Mamelodi Sundowns with two goals in a 4-0 South African Premiership drubbing of Golden Arrows in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old close season signing from relegated Marumo Gallantsstruck the second and fourth goals with Namibian Peter Shalulile and Grant Kekana also netting.

Sundowns, seeking a seventh consecutive league title, were two goals ahead midway through the first half, led 3-0 at half-time, and scored again just three minutes into the second half.

A dominant performance against outclassed opponents gave table-toppers Sundowns a three-point lead over Cape Town City after just three rounds.

«Having been told that I was in the starting line-up, I promised coach Rulani (Mokwena) a goal, so I am thrilled to have scored twice,» said man-of-the-match award winner Nku.

Mokwena said: «We have played better, but I was encouraged by the way we took our chances. I liked the fact that two of our goals came after set pieces.»

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Arrows co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi was frank: «We were terrible. The only consolation was that after a disastrous opening half, we improved slightly.»

The Durban club slipped two places to sixth after a draw, win and loss at the start of a 30-match league schedule.

In the other match, Orlando Pirates' goal sprees ended as they were held 1-1 by Chippa Unitedin the southern coastal city of Gqeberha, and lie fourth.

Pirates netted nine times in their last two matches, in the Premiership and a knockout competition, and took a 24th-minute lead through a close-range shot from Bandile Shandu.

But Chippa, best known for constantly changing