Sundowns extend unbeaten run as Chiefs are held by Stellenbosch

Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their outstanding domestic form with a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC on Tuesday, just days after lifting the MTN8 trophy.

The Betway Premiership leaders produced another convincing performance at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, while Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium.

The result was Chiefs’ fifth draw in eight league matches. Fernando Da Cruz’s side are fourth on 14 points, nine behind Sundowns, who have opened up a strong lead at the top of the table.

Miguel Cardoso’s team have enjoyed a remarkable run of success. After winning the Caf Champions League final against FAR Rabat in May, Sundowns claimed the African-Asian-Pacific Cup by defeating Al-Ahli Saudi last month.

They then beat domestic rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, before staying in Durban and continuing their pursuit of the Premiership title.

Sundowns had won the league eight seasons in a row before Pirates ended that run last term. They remain unbeaten this season, with seven wins and two draws from nine matches, and have 23 points.

Pirates moved to within one point of the leaders after beating TS Galaxy 3-0 at Orlando Stadium, although they have played one match fewer.

Tashreeq Matthews, who was named man of the match in the MTN8 final, opened the scoring against Richards Bay in the 18th minute. He finished beyond goalkeeper Ian Otieno after receiving Siyanda Ndlovu’s pass.

Richards Bay responded four minutes later through Lwandle Mabuya, but Sundowns restored their advantage in the 37th minute. Iqraam Rayners converted Matthews’ cross to make it 2-1.

Rayners struck again only two minutes after half-time, completing his close-range finish to extend the visitors’ lead. Left-back Fawaaz Basadien then added a fourth in the 60th minute, side-footing home after being played in by Teboho Mokoena.

Chiefs and Stellenbosch created opportunities in Johannesburg, with Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens denying Wandile Duba shortly before the half-hour mark.

Stellenbosch took the lead three minutes after the restart. Terrence Mashego made an intelligent run between the lines before sending an angled pass towards the right post, where Sinoxolo Kwayiba met it and placed his shot into the top-right corner beyond stranded goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.

Chiefs levelled 10 minutes later. Mduduzi Shabalala collected a long pass on the left side of the penalty area, shifted the ball onto his right foot to evade Siviwe Nkwali and drove a low finish past Stephens.

The hosts pushed for a winner, but Stephens made another important save to deny substitute Asenele Velebayi in the 80th minute and Stellenbosch held on for a point.