Goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners (two) and Fawaaz Basadien secured the victory for Sundowns, who climbed to 23 points from nine matches, one ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates. Richards Bay remain 15th with three points from eight games.

Sundowns started strongly and created an early opportunity in the fifth minute when Basadien delivered a cross into the penalty area, but Rayners sent his effort wide.

Richards Bay thought they had taken the lead in the 12th minute when Xulu headed home a cross from Nzama. However, the goal was ruled out for offside in a controversial decision.

Sundowns capitalised on their pressure in the 19th minute. After good build-up play down the right involving Ndlovu and Mailula, Rayners held off two defenders before laying the ball off for Matthews, who finished powerfully to give the visitors the lead.

Richards Bay responded three minutes later. Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved the initial attempt, but the rebound fell to right-back Lwandle Mabuya, who chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.

The hosts gained confidence following the equaliser, but Sundowns continued to create chances. Mokoena tested Richards Bay goalkeeper Otieno from distance, while Rayners headed a cross from Matuludi over the crossbar.

Sundowns regained the lead in the 37th minute. Mailula did well to keep possession under pressure before finding Basadien on the left. His excellent cross picked out Rayners, who powered a header past Otieno to make it 2-1.

Sundowns carried their advantage into half-time after goalkeeper Otieno produced another good save to deny a free-kick from Mokoena shortly before the break.

Sundowns increased their advantage in the 59th minute when Fawaaz Basadien scored a brilliant fourth goal. Teboho Mokoena picked him out with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the former Stellenbosch FC defender to volley the ball past Ian Otieno and into the far corner.

Sundowns continued to threaten, with Rayners forcing Otieno into another save from a free-kick in the 63rd minute. The visitors also made several substitutions as coach Miguel Cardoso looked to manage the game.

Richards Bay tried to respond, but Sundowns remained in control. A dangerous cross from Matuludi was cleared before Mkhabela fired narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area in the 83rd minute.

Sundowns comfortably saw out the closing stages, although Rayners missed a late opportunity to complete his hat-trick when his attempted lob landed on the roof of the net.

Basadien also sent a late free-kick over the crossbar, but Sundowns had done enough to secure an important victory.

Mamelodi Sundowns could make title-defining statement against Orlando Pirates