Mamelodi Sundowns tightened their grip on the Premier Soccer League title with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Richards Bay at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday evening, extending their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
Just days after advancing to the CAF Champions League final on away goals against Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the Pretoria-based side showed no signs of fatigue.
Coach Miguel Cardoso’s men controlled proceedings from the outset, dispatching a struggling Richards Bay side with clinical efficiency.
Despite the physical toll of the semi-final clash in Cairo, Sundowns delivered a polished performance at home, barely allowing their opponents a moment of threat.
Goalkeeper Denis Onyango remained largely untroubled as the visitors failed to mount any serious attack throughout the encounter.
“We didn’t need to force things today. The team was composed, structured, and knew what had to be done,” Cardoso said after the match.
The league leaders wasted no time asserting their authority. In the eighth minute, Teboho Mokoena picked out Arthur Sales with a precise through ball, and the Brazilian forward made no mistake, slotting in at the near post.
The goal marked the 15th time Sundowns have scored first in their last stretch of matches against Richards Bay.
Building on their early lead, Sundowns doubled their advantage in the 28th minute.
Iqraam Rayners delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who calmly finished past the Richards Bay goalkeeper, exposing the defensive frailties of the relegation-threatened side.
The match increasingly resembled a one-sided training session, with Sundowns dictating tempo and controlling possession with ease.
The third and final goal came moments after the restart when Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende found space in the box and slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs, underlining the gulf in class.
Cardoso opted to rest several key players, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, in light of the club’s continental commitments.
The rotation paid off handsomely, preserving freshness ahead of next month’s CAF Champions League final against another Egyptian outfit, Pyramids FC.
The result was made even more significant by Orlando Pirates’ simultaneous 2-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United, which widened the gap at the top.
With just seven matches remaining, Sundowns are now strong favourites to secure their fifth consecutive league title.
As the PSL season nears its conclusion, Sundowns continue to assert their dominance over South African football, combining continental ambition with local supremacy.
