Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a powerful response to their midweek setback, storming back to the top of the Betway Premiership with a dominant 4-1 victory over Richards Bay at a buzzing Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Capitalizing on Sekhukhune United’s surprise loss, The Brazilians put on a clinical display to leapfrog their rivals and establish a three-point lead at the summit. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s decision to make four changes, including handing a first start to Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos, paid immediate dividends.
Sundowns shook off an early scare—a Richards Bay free-kick that struck the post—and quickly took control. The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute by Tashreeq Matthews, who followed up his own saved header. The floodgates began to open just 12 minutes later when 21-year-old Malibongwe Khoza pounced on a rebound to score his first-ever league goal for the club.
Although Gabadinho Mhango momentarily halved the deficit for the visitors with a clever chip, Sundowns’ resolve was unwavering. They restored their two-goal cushion before halftime through an Iqraam Rayners penalty and put the result beyond any doubt in the 62nd minute when Matthews tapped in for his second after Rayners’ audacious chip came back off the crossbar.
The influential Santos was at the heart of the action, notching two key assists in a man-of-the-match performance. The win not only snaps Richards Bay’s five-game unbeaten run but sends a clear message to the rest of the league that the champions are back in their familiar perch.
Sundowns now turn their attention to the Carling Knockout, where they will host Marumo Gallants, while Richards Bay will open their cup campaign against Chippa United.
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