Mamelodi Sundowns were confirmed Absa Premiership Champions for a ninth time, a fourth league title in six years under Pitso Mosimane.
Masandawana who had to beat Free State Stars away on the last day of the season did the business through midfielder Phakamani Mahlambi’s goal in the 43rd minute.
The defeat saw Martin Kizza’s Free State Stars relegated to the National First Division after 12 years of topflight football. The result also ensured Allan Kateregga’s Maritzburg United survive the cut but will have to play a relegation play off.
Phakamani Mahlambi who came on as a substitute for injured Gaston Sirino scored the all-important goal for the Brazilians with only three minutes to halftime sending the traveling fans into a bouncing frenzy.
Sundowns created the most opportunities in the game but Free State Stars also had moments and their best chance fell to Katlego Mokhuoane who forced Onyango into a save.
Sundowns held on to their lead that saw them finish with an unassailable 59 points and two above Orlando Pirates a side coached by former Cranes coach Milutin Sredjovic Micho.
This is the Brazilians ninth Premier Soccer league title and 12th topflight title since 1971.
