Two goals from defender Thabang Matuludi earned Mamelodi Sundowns a 4-1 win against Durban City FC in a Betway Premiership clash at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng on Saturday evening.
Bafana Bafana international Matuludi scored in each half while Iqraam Rayners also netted late in the second half to give Sundowns the victory. The visitors found consolation through Jean Lubumba with five minutes remaining on the clock.
The win takes Sundowns to top of the log with 26 points from their 10 matches. They go one point ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates, who beat rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium earlier in the day. However, Pirates have a game in hand.
FARPost looks at three key talking points from the Sundowns victory:
THABANG MATULUDI SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR MASANDAWANA
Matuludi’s brace for Sundowns will be a morale booster for the Bafana Bafana international. Since joining the Tshwane giants from Polokwane City, Matuludi has gradually settled into the side and now looks at home.
His aerial presence also serves as an advantage for Sundowns in set-piece situations, and the goals, both by header against Durban City, prove that he will be very useful even in attack for coach Miguel Cardoso. He nearly scored a hat-trick, but the Durban City goalkeeper denied him. The two goals were his first in the colours of Masandawana.
ANOTHER INJURY CONCERN FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
With six players already out due to injuries, Sundowns will hope the injury to striker Brayan Leon is nothing to worry about.
The Colombian striker, who has struggled with form of late, played the better part of the second half while limping and was replaced by Rayners.
Before the match, Sundowns also announced that Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana and Kegan Johannes are still missing in action due to injuries.
SIYANDA NDLOVU CONTINUES TO SHOW HIS CLASS
Despite playing just 30 minutes, midfielder Siyanda Ndlovu continues to prove why Sundowns signed him from Golden Arrows. The 23-year-old hasn’t only managed to get decent playing time but has been impactful to the star-studded side.
Ndlovu provided an assist for Sundowns’ third goal of the evening, scored by striker Rayners. It’s Ndlovu’s fourth assist since the beginning of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership, with two goals.
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