Mukula Young Santos proved beyond doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with by winning their two Nedbank Cup matches on Sunday.

They beat Maweja Takers 3-1 in their preliminary-round match at the Tshifulanani Stadium in the morning before traveling to the Makwarela Stadium, where they crushed United Artists 3-0 later in the afternoon.

Santos managed to keep Artists running throughout the game, despite the fact that Artists played only one match that day. The Santos’ playmaker, Phathutshedzo Takalani, was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He tackled Robert Baloyi illegally in the 18th minute.

Santos took the lead in the 24th minute. Christopher Tshikovhele was on target with a bicycle kick, following a scramble within the box. Ndaedzo Mutavhatsindi of United Artists obstructed Vusani Nendauni in the 29th minute and the referee reprimanded him with a card.

Artists took the game the opponents in the last 15 minutes of the last half. This after they had replaced Tshifhiwa Munyai with Thomas Makhubele in the 30th minute. Santos effected two changes to their starting lineup early in the last half. They sacrificed Vusani Nendauni and Fhulufhedzni Ramudzuli for Thihanedzwi Nevhutalu and Andy Mathule respectively.

Santos increased the margin in the 64th minute. Freedom Makhuvha made no mistake after receiving a great pass from Phathutshedzo Takalani. The game came to a halt for 15 minutes after the Santos’s keeper, Ronewa Mavhungu, sustained an injury. He was replaced with Ramudzuli Sikhitha. As if he was a regular keeper, Sikhitha saved several certain goals.

Santos put matters beyond doubt when Phathutshedzo Takalani headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Joshua Netshilindi, seven minutes before the final whistle.