Mamelodi Sundowns strengthen Betway Premiership lead with Richards Bay win

Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their one-point advantage at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.

Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners and Fawaaz Basadien were on target as Sundowns moved to 23 points from nine matches, keeping them ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates. Rayners scored twice, while Richards Bay’s defeat leaves them 15th with three points from eight games.

Sundowns threatened first in the fifth minute when Basadien sent a cross into the box, although Rayners was unable to keep his effort on target.

Richards Bay appeared to go ahead seven minutes later as Xulu headed in Nzama’s delivery. The hosts’ celebrations were cut short, however, after the goal was disallowed for offside in a controversial decision.

The visitors took advantage in the 19th minute. Ndlovu and Mailula combined effectively on the right before Rayners held off two defenders and set up Matthews, who struck decisively to put Sundowns in front.

Richards Bay responded almost immediately. Ronwen Williams stopped the first attempt, but the ball fell to right-back Lwandle Mabuya, who lifted his follow-up over the goalkeeper to bring the score level.

The equaliser lifted the home side, but Sundowns continued to pose the greater attacking threat. Teboho Mokoena forced a save from Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno with a long-range effort, before Rayners headed Matuludi’s cross over the bar.

Sundowns restored their lead eight minutes before half-time. Mailula retained possession under pressure and found Basadien on the left, whose precise cross was met by Rayners. The striker’s powerful header flew beyond Otieno to make it 2-1.

Otieno then kept Richards Bay within reach by pushing Mokoena’s free-kick away shortly before the interval.

Sundowns extended their advantage in the 59th minute when Basadien finished brilliantly. Mokoena picked out the former Stellenbosch FC defender with a perfectly weighted pass, and Basadien volleyed beyond Otieno into the far corner to score the fourth goal described in the match report.

Rayners came close to adding another in the 63rd minute, but Otieno again saved from a free-kick. Sundowns also made several substitutions as coach Miguel Cardoso managed his team through the second half.

Richards Bay struggled to create a response. Matuludi’s dangerous cross was cleared, while Mkhabela shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area in the 83rd minute.

Rayners missed the chance to complete his hat-trick late on when his attempted lob landed on the roof of the net. Basadien also sent a free-kick over the crossbar, but Sundowns comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure the points.