Mamelodi Sundowns have carried their trophy-winning brilliance straight into the Betway Premiership, delivering another commanding performance on Tuesday night with a 4-1 demolition of Richards Bay FC as South Africa’s domestic football returned following the international break.
The Brazilians continued their remarkable run under coach Miguel Cardoso, turning the Princess Magogo Stadium into another stage for their attacking orchestra. Fresh from beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Sundowns showed little sign of slowing down, combining precision, composure and ruthless finishing to underline their determination to reclaim the league crown.
For Sundowns, the music is playing beautifully. Their continental and domestic triumphs have given them momentum, and Tuesday’s emphatic victory demonstrated that their appetite for silverware remains undiminished.
The defending champions of African football have already collected the CAF Champions League, the African-Asian Pacific Cup and the MTN8 trophy in recent months, making their current form a warning to their domestic rivals.
Rayners Leads the Brazilians’ Charge
Sundowns’ victory was built on attacking quality and an ability to recover quickly when challenged.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing a well-constructed move to put the visitors ahead. Richards Bay responded four minutes later through Lwandile Mabuya, who capitalised on the rebound after Ronwen Williams had saved Luyanda Khumalo’s initial effort.
The equaliser briefly threatened to disrupt
Sundowns’ rhythm, but the visitors restored their advantage in the 37th minute when Matthews turned provider, delivering a cross that Iqraam Rayners converted with a header.
Rayners struck again shortly after half-time, finishing the rebound after goalkeeper Ian Otieno had denied Matthews. Although the goal initially appeared to be ruled out for offside, the referee allowed it to stand.
Fawaaz Basadien then completed the scoring in the 59th minute, volleying home after an assist from Teboho Mokoena to seal a convincing 4-1 victory.
The result kept Sundowns at the summit of the standings, extending their unbeaten league run and strengthening their position in the early title race.
Pirates Bounce Back in Style
Orlando Pirates also returned to winning ways, defeating TS Galaxy 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena to keep the pressure on their rivals.
Still recovering from their MTN8 final defeat to Sundowns, the Buccaneers produced a convincing response, collecting three valuable points and maintaining their pursuit of the league leaders.
Pirates’ victory ensured that the gap at the top remained narrow, with the Soweto giants having a game in hand. Their response demonstrated that the MTN8 disappointment had not derailed their domestic ambitions.
With Sundowns setting the pace and Pirates refusing to let them escape, the Premiership title race is already developing into a compelling contest.
Chiefs Held as Stellenbosch Share the Spoils
At FNB Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC in a match that offered opportunities but ultimately left Amakhosi frustrated.
Stellenbosch took the lead through Sinoxolo Kwayiba shortly after the interval, in the 48th minute, but Chiefs responded ten minutes later when Mduduzi Shabalala found the equaliser.
Amakhosi pushed for a winner, with substitute Asanele Velebayi among those who tested Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens. However, the visitors held firm to secure a share of the points.
The draw represented another missed opportunity for Chiefs to make significant progress in the standings, while Stellenbosch demonstrated their ability to compete against one of the country’s biggest clubs.
AmaZulu Win Durban Derby
In the other fixture of the night, AmaZulu FC defeated Durban City FC 2-1 at Chatsworth Stadium, handing new Durban City coach Eric Tinkler a difficult start.
AmaZulu emerged from the local derby with all three points, reinforcing their credentials as a side capable of challenging higher up the table.
For Durban City, the defeat meant their search for greater consistency continued as they adjusted to a new chapter under Tinkler.
Tuesday Night’s Betway Premiership Results
- Richards Bay FC 1-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates 3-0 TS Galaxy
- Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Stellenbosch FC
- Durban City FC 1-2 AmaZulu FC
