Mamelodi Sundowns eased into the semi-finals of the MTN8 with a 4-0 win over Richards Bay to kick off their 2025/26 season at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday evening.
Despite the build-up to the game having a less than ideal pre-season, Sundowns showed character and professionalism to control the opening half and duly went into the break with a 2-0 advantage.
Iqraan Rayners 10th minute strike and an own goal from Bay captain Simphiwe Mcineka in first half stoppage time proved the difference, with Sundowns boasting 81% possession and eight shots, to the visitors one.
Sundowns were without influential players, Peter Shalulile, Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile, who have all been aiming for off-season moves away from the club.
The Bafana Bafana right-back was not part of their pre-season in Rustenberg, while Shalulile is in talks with Esperance Sportive de Tunis over a switch to Tunisia – and their Brazilian talisman looks poised for a move to the Gulf, in Qatar.
But Sundowns, a side known for their supreme depth, Zuko Mdunleywa, Artur Sales and Themba Zwane entered the XI, in replacing the notable absentees from their starting line-up.
Rayners added to his tally shortly after the break with a composed finish past Salim Magoola and it was plain sailing for the home side from thereon in, with the Natal Richboyz not offering much in return.
Siyabonga Mabena added a fourth shortly after being introduced into the pitch, which sparked wild celebrations, with the entire squad including Ronwen Williams, the bench and head coach Miguel Cardoso mobbing the teenager after finding the net.
Fawaaz Basadien also made his debut in an unfamiliar inverted right-back role as Sundowns eased into the semi-finals.
