Fresh from lifting the MTN8 trophy, Mamelodi Sundowns claimed an emphatic 4-1 victory against Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians remained in KwaZulu-Natal after their MTN8 final triumph this past weekend against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sundowns and Richards started brightly, with both sides seeking a quick goal to take an early advantage. The home side scored in the opening minutes through Nqaba Xulu, but the goal was ruled offside.
A few minutes later, Masandawana broke the deadlock when Tashreeq Matthews added the finishing touch following an impressive combination in the opponents’ box.
Richards Bay scored an equalising goal in the 22nd minute thanks to Lwandile Mabuya, who pounced on Sundowns’ lack of awareness in defence.
Rayners restored Sundowns’ lead with a header, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage at half-time. In the second half, Downs continued where they left off with Rayners completing his brace for the night. The floodgates opened for the Tshwane giants after Fawaaz Basadien found the back of the net in the 48th minute, giving his side all the maximum points.
FARPost looks at four talking points of the match:
AUBREY MODIBA LEFT OUT OF MATCHDAY SQUAD
After starting the match against Pirates in the MTN8 final, Aubrey Modiba didn’t make the matchday squad. Basadien got the nod in the starting line-up while the Zimbabwean international Divine Lunga occupied the spot on the bench.
FAWAAZ BASADIEN REGISTERS FIRST SUNDOWNS GOAL
The highly-rated left back opened his scoring account in the colours of Sundowns. Basadien has enjoyed a fair share of game time in the current campaign after a challenging start to life in Chloorkop in the previous campaign.
Basadien signed with Sundowns ahead of the 2025/26 season in a big move from Stellenbosch FC. So far in his spell at the club, the former Moroka Swallows defender has featured in 20 matches across all competitions.
KHULUMANI NDAMANE AND MALIBONGWE KHOZA GROWING IN CONFIDENCE
The two young centre-backs are seemingly becoming a reliable force in the backline for Sundowns, managing to bench experienced players such as Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala.
Khoza and Ndamane played a major role against Pirates, helping Sundowns keep a clean sheet against the free-scoring Pirates.
SUNDOWNS LEAKING GOALS IN DEFENCE
Sundowns have proven erratic in defence after conceding yet another league goal against the Natal Rich Boys.
This season, the Brazilians have conceded eight league goals, while their direct title rivals, Pirates, have conceded only once.
In another match on Tuesday, AmaZulu FC secured a 2-1 win over Durban City FC to claim bragging rights in the KZN Derby. Usuthu’s Athini Maqokolo and Mlondi Mbanjwa scored, while Haashim Domingo netted for City.
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