Impressive Mamelodi Sundowns down struggling Richards Bay to pull away from Orlando Pirates in PSL title race

Mamelodi Sundowns widened the gap between them and Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League title race after beating Richards Bay 3-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

Pirates, fresh from a Caf Champions League exit, were frustrated and beaten 1-0 by Sekhukhune United. The Brazilians have 58 points, as the Sea Robbers follow with 46.

Meanwhile, Sundowns were very ambitious from the word go, and their effort was rewarded in the 8th minute when Arthur Sales broke the deadlock. It was a beautiful finish from the Brazilian forward to crown an equally beautiful assist from Teboho Mokoena.

The Brazilians doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Iqraam Rayners scored. With an assist from Tashreeq Mathews, the South African forward directed the ball into the back of the net with his head, with Richards Bay's goalkeeper Ian Otieno well beaten in the process.

The goal takes Rayners' goal tally in the league to 10.

The Brazilians picked it up from where they left off in the first half and, in the 48th minute, registered their third goal. Marcelo Allende scored the goal that proved Sundowns' dominance in an otherwise one-sided encounter.

The visitors almost denied Sundowns a clean sheet a minute past the hour mark, but Otieno made a good save to stop Mathews' effort at the near post.

Rayners continues to prove his worth for the Tshwane giants. The goal against Richards Bay means he has hit a double-digit for the season that is yet to conclude.

Richards Bay lost an opportunity to collect more points that would have boosted their survival chances.

The loss means they are involved in a survival dogfight since they are sitting 13th, with just three more points compared to SuperSport United and Cape Town City, who are in the 14th and 15th places, respectively.

Sundowns will play Cape Town City on May 3 before a game against Chippa United on May 7.

Struggling Richards Bay will be up against TS Galaxy on May 4 before a game against Golden Arrows on May 17.