New signing Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Matthews power Mamelodi Sundowns to the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings after emphatic victory over Richards Bay

Richards Bay started brightly, with Simphiwe Mcineka nearly opening the scoring after connecting with Thabani Zuke’s glancing header, only to be denied by the upright from a tight angle. That missed opportunity proved costly as Mamelodi Sundowns took control, breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute through Tashreeq Matthews, who finished on the rebound after being initially denied by Salim Magoola. The hosts doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Malibongwe Khoza capitalised on a loose ball in the box to fire home his first goal of the season. 

Gabadinho Mhango gave Richards Bay a lifeline four minutes later, dispossessing Khoza and lobbing Ronwen Williams with a composed finish for his second of the campaign. But Sundowns restored their cushion just before halftime when Khuliso Mudau was brought down in the box, allowing Iqraam Rayners to step up and slot home his sixth league goal from the spot, sending the Brazilians into the break with a 3-1 lead. 

Sundowns continued their scoring momentum in the second half when Rayners’ effort struck the crossbar and fell kindly for Matthews, who made no mistake in slotting home his second of the match. 

The 4-1 victory lifted Masandawana to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings, edging a point ahead of Sekhukhune United.

Nuno Santos marked his home debut with a standout performance - registering an assist and a secondary assist. He made passing look effortless, was composed on the ball and showed flashes of real danger in Sundowns’ attacking setup.    

Despite scoring a solitary goal, the Natal Rich Boys struggled to find their footing and spent much of the match chasing shadows, unable to disrupt Sundowns’ dominance in possession.  

Masandawana are set to return to action next weekend in the Carling Knockout Cup when they face Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 4 October.