Sundowns extend lead

The Department of Health says additional COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are now available for eligible citizens at all active vaccination sites across the country.

“This is in line with the announcement by Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, earlier this month that government has been inundated with requests from fully vaccinated members of the public, especially the most vulnerable groups, seeking to maintain and enhance their protection against current and evolving COVID-19 variants,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

This means all adults aged 50 years and older are eligible for five vaccine doses, while those aged between 18 and 49 will be entitled to receive another jab to make four doses of either the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) or Pfizer vaccine.

The waiting period between the last dose and this additional dose should be at least 180 days or six months.

All adults aged 18 and older who are registered on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) as being immunocompromised will also be eligible to receive an additional booster dose 180 days after their last dose. Meanwhile, the vaccination schedule for adolescents between 12 and 17 years remains unchanged, which means this age group remains eligible to receive two doses.

According to the department, the EVDS has been updated to accommodate these changes and vaccinators have been informed accordingly.

“The department has integrated COVID-19 vaccination services into primary health services, and efforts are being made, working with provinces to update the lists of vaccination sites on an ongoing basis and make these accessible to the public.”

The department believes that vaccination remains the most effective weapon against the pandemic, especially as new variants and sub-variants are detected in various parts of the world.

Those who experience known COVID-19 symptoms such as flu-like symptoms including body aches, tiredness, loss of appetite or taste loss are encouraged to visit a health facility.

Runaway DStv Premiership leaders

Sundowns players celebrate Sphelele Mkhulise had a long-range effort; however it went wide to spare Sekhukhunes' goalkeeper Badra Sangare's blushes. During the opening period, Sundowns players, such as Uruguayan Gaston Sirino and Mkhulise were finding plenty of space in the Sekhukhune half.

Mamelodi Sundowns overcame a stubborn Sekhukhune United 2-0 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The victory meant that the hosts extended their winning run to 14 league games as they moved 22 points clear of second place Richards Bay as they look on course to win a sixth title in a row.

Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula second-half goals proved to be the difference between the two sides. Despite the defeat, Brandon Truter's men should take pride in the match as they never showed any fear to their opponents and, at times, put them under immense pressure.

Sekhukhune showed their intent as a long ball over the Sundown's backline nearly set Victor Letsoalo through; however, it was cleared by the Brazilians centre-back Brian Onyango in the opening seconds of the match.

After the opening scare, the hosts started to have more of the ball and

Sundowns nearly broke the deadlock when Mkhulise found Neo Maema in plenty of space, but the keeper dealt with his half-volley as he palmed the ball out for a corner. Mkhulise who was involved in most of Sundowns good moments, again found space on the left when he squared it to Sipho Mbule who hit a powerful strike but he failed to hit the target. A brilliant run from Sifiso Ngobeni was spotted and he found the league's top goal scorer Shalulile but the clinical forward could not beat Sangare from close range. Not long after, neat footwork from Maema found Shaluile in the penalty area; however, his header flew well over the bar.

The hosts kept on probing at the stubborn Sekhukhune defence as Mkhulise gave a lovely threaded pass to Sirino, who delivered a powerful cross in the area but once again, Shalulile could not direct the ball on target as they entered the break level.

Sundowns began the second half the better of the sides as they looked to find a way to break through Sekhukhunes' defence.Their efforts were rewarded as Shalulile gave his side the lead in the 49th minute. The industrious Sirino found space at the edge of the area and took a shot at goal, but his shot was intercepted by his teammate as the instinctive Shalulile tapped the ball beyond Sangare to give the hosts a deserving lead.

Babina Noko responded well after going behind as they started to unsettle the Sundowns team. They thought they responded immediately, but Ohizu Chibuike was miles offside. Despite the offside call, the visitors kept up the pressure as substitute Elias Mokwana, who was left unchallenged in the Sundowns area, almost stunned the hosts. However, it was dealt with by Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango.

A few moments of chaos ensured in the 62 minute as Rodrick Kabwe hit a threatening strike which was saved by Onyango and then Sekhukhune thought they finally found the equaliser; however, once again, it was an offside goal leaving their bench furious. Replays show that the decision was correct.

In the 75th minute, Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende received a deserved red card as he fouled Letsoalo to put his side under pressure and give the away side a chance to equalise or perhaps run away with all three points. Despite being a man down, Mailula scored from close range to put Sekhukhune to bed and extend their lead.