Mamelodi Sundowns strengthen Betway Premiership lead with Richards Bay win

Mamelodi Sundowns reinforced their position at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday night.

Tashreeq Matthews put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute, but Lwandile Mabuya levelled for Richards Bay four minutes later with his first league goal.

Mamelodi Sundowns restored their advantage shortly before half-time when Iqraam Rayners headed in Matthews’ cross. Rayners struck again three minutes after the interval before Fawaaz Basadien completed the scoring with his first goal for the club.

With CAF Champions League action coming up at the weekend, coach Miguel Cardoso made two changes to his starting line-up. Cassius Mailula and Rayners came into the side in place of Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon.

Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boys, were hoping striker Nqaba Xulu could continue his impressive opening to the campaign. Xulu had scored five goals in the first seven league matches.

Mamelodi Sundowns controlled possession during the opening stages and eventually made it count when Matthews finished from close range in the 18th minute.

Richards Bay responded quickly. Mabuya fired the ball in from close range to equalise, although Cardoso’s side continued their recent struggles in keeping clean sheets in the league.

The visitors regained the lead eight minutes before the break. Matthews delivered the cross and Rayners rose to head past Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

Sundowns continued to apply pressure after the restart and Rayners completed his brace with a composed close-range finish in the 48th minute.

Their fourth goal arrived in the 59th minute. Left-back Basadien was set up by Teboho Mokoena and placed a clinical finish into the far corner to score for the first time since joining the club.

Cardoso made a triple substitution with 25 minutes remaining, taking off Matthews, Mailula and Mokoena. Nuno Santos, Antonio Van Wyk and Thabo Cele were introduced as Sundowns managed the closing stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League for the next two weeks. Richards Bay, meanwhile, remain in search of their first win.

Richards Bay’s next five fixtures are Kruger United away, Stellenbosch FC at home, Marumo Gallants away, TS Galaxy away and Orlando Pirates at home.

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Wiliete away and at home, followed by Durban City at home, Kruger United away and Polokwane City at home.