## Sundowns Cruise Past Richards Bay to Top Log, Sekhukhune’s Run Halted

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Mamelodi Sundowns got back to winning ways in emphatic style, drubbing **Richards Bay 4-1** at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday to ascend to the top of the **Betway Premiership** table. Meanwhile, **Sekhukhune United** suffered their first league defeat of the season, opening the door for Sundowns to reclaim pole position.


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### 🔥 Highlights: Sundowns Dominate Richards Bay


* **Tashreeq Matthews** stole the show, scoring a brace to lead Sundowns’ offensive onslaught.

* **Malibongwe Khoza** opened his goal account with a composed finish from a corner scramble.

* **Iqraam Rayners** converted a penalty just before halftime, giving Sundowns a commanding 3-0 lead.

* Matthews struck again just after the hour mark by capitalizing on a rebound off the crossbar.

* **Gabadinho Mhango** pulled one back for Richards Bay, but it was too little too late.


Matthews opened the scoring in the 15th minute, latching onto a quality cross from new signing **Nuno Santos** (in his first start). Santos impressed with his composure and was awarded **Man of the Match**.

Khoza made it two after 27 minutes when Bay failed to clear a corner effectively. Just before half-time, Rayners stepped up to coolly slot a penalty after Khuliso Mudau was fouled in the box. In the second half, Matthews completed his brace from the rebound of a shot that rattled the crossbar.


With this dominant performance, Sundowns reassert themselves atop the league standings.


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### 🚨 Sekhukhune United’s First Loss


The big surprise of the weekend came as **Polokwane City** edged out **Sekhukhune United 1-0** at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. **Simon Ramabu** delivered the decisive strike, handing **Babina Noko** their first blemish in nine league outings. Sekhukhune, until now unbeaten, now trail Sundowns by a single point but also have a game in hand.

Sekhukhune’s loss means the title race is open again—and Sundowns are happy to pounce.


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### 📊 League Table Snapshot & Other Results


As of matchweek 10, Sundowns now lead the **Betway Premiership standings** with **21 points**, just one ahead of Sekhukhune (20), who have played one fewer game. ([ESPN.com][1])

Durban City moved into third place after coming from behind to beat **Magesi FC 3-1** in Chatsworth. Arrows also maintained momentum, defeating **Orbit College 3-0** at King Zwelithini Stadium.


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### 🧠 Tactical Watch & What’s Next


Sundowns coach **Miguel Cardoso** has publicly pledged to reshape the team into a more collective unit—with less reliance on individual brilliance. After their surprising midweek loss to Golden Arrows, this victory sends a message: remaining title favourites.

For Sekhukhune, the loss is a reality check. They must bounce back quickly to stay in the conversation.


In the coming fixtures, both clubs will be under pressure. Sundowns will look to maintain momentum, while Sekhukhune must respond aggressively to reclaim control. The title race is heating up.


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