The Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, were firm favourites for their first title in five seasons, but the Amakhosi played to a 1-10 draw against Baroka FC.

A 3-1 win for the Brazilians over Black Leopards saw them shoot past chiefs in the standings and ensured the title.

Downs captain, Hlompho Kekana, says this is a title he will cherish.

“I've had so many trophies under my belt, and in my career, I have so many beautiful memories.

“Ja, this is one of the trophies that I will cherish for the rest of my life because, at some point in the season, we were 13 points behind Kaizer Chiefs.

“To be honest, they played so well and they really deserved the title more than we did.

“Look it is something we should be proud of as players for a job well done. 

“It hasn’t been an easy season for us considering the break. It has been difficult for footballers during this pandemic to come back from a five-month break and come back straight into it.”

For Bloemfontein Celtic, it was also mission accomplished after their 3-1 drubbing of Maritzburg United meant that they finished the season in 8th in the standings, and it’s the second season in a row that they have managed to finish in the top eight.

Celtic and Downs will remain in the bubble for a further week, and the two clubs will battle it out over the weekend in the 2020 Nedbank Cup final.

Final-round results:

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Black Leopards

Baroka FC 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Stellenbosch FC

Cape Town City FC 1-0 SuperSport United

AmaZulu FC 1-1 Highlands Park

Wits 3-1 Polokwane City

Chippa United 1-0 Golden Arrows

Bloemfontein Celtic 3-1 Maritzburg United

@MorganPiek OFM Sport