Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man Magesi FC in their Betway Premiership clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

The result saw the defending champions move to the summit of the standings, a point clear of Sekhukhune United, who still have a match in hand. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s men will aim to widen the gap when they face Marumo Gallants away on September 17.

For Magesi, the defeat left them languishing in 14th place, just a point above bottom side Chippa United, who also have a game in hand. Coach John Maduka will hope for a response when his side hosts Siwelele FC on September 20.

The visitors nearly struck first in the 9th minute when Wonderboy Makhubu forced a save from Ronwen Williams, but it was Sundowns who opened the scoring in the 22nd. Thapelo Morena’s miscued effort fell kindly for Kutlwano Letlhaku, who slotted home to make it 1-0.

Magesi’s task grew tougher in the 42nd minute after Sammy Darpoh was shown a second yellow card, leaving the Limpopo outfit down to 10 men at halftime.

Sundowns capitalised after the break, with Morena turning provider again in the 66th minute. His cross picked out Iqraam Rayners at the far post, and the Bafana Bafana striker made it 2-0.

Rayners then completed his brace eight minutes later, heading in Aubrey Modiba’s well-delivered free-kick to seal a comfortable victory for the Tshwane giants. The forward’s sharp performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade as Masandawana strengthened their grip at the top of the table.

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