MTN8 Jubilation Continues: Rayners Brace And Matthews Magic Demolish Richards Bay In KwaMashu
Mamelodi Sundowns carried their MTN8 jubilation into the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, thrashing a struggling Richards Bay side 4-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
Sundowns came into the encounter fresh from their 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, securing the trophy just 13 kilometres from KwaMashu.
Miguel Cardoso’s side remained in Durban following their triumph, believing it made little sense to travel back to Johannesburg only to return for Tuesday’s fixture.
Despite making four changes to his starting line-up, Cardoso watched his side deliver another dominant performance.
Sundowns remain top of the standings with 23 points from nine matches, having played one game more than second-placed Pirates, who defeated TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.
Richards Bay, meanwhile, were without new head coach Dimitar Pantev, who is still awaiting his work permit. Pantev watched from the stands alongside the club’s head of performance analysis, Tshepo Mahao, appearing visibly frustrated as he was unable to take charge of his team on the touchline.
Pantev replaced Ronnie Gabriel, who was dismissed following a 5-1 defeat to Milford earlier this month.
Richards Bay started brightly and thought they had taken the lead in the 11th minute when Nqaba Xulu broke away from Sundowns defenders Mali Khoza and Khulumani Ndamane. However, his goal was ruled out for offside, a decision that appeared questionable.
While Bay was denied a goal, Sundowns had their noses in front when Tashreeq Matthews placed the ball at the far corner, meeting Siyanda Ndlovu’s pass, and he finished off superbly on the edge of the box in the 18th minute.
The Natal Rich Boyz continued to threaten. Xulu again caused problems for the Sundowns defence, beating Khoza before squaring the ball for Luyana Khumalo, whose effort was saved by Ronwen Williams.
Williams was left on the ground during the ensuing passage of play and could do little to prevent Lwandile Mabuya from finding the back of the net, as Richards Bay drew level.
Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno was then called into action to deny Thabang Matuludi as the visitors looked to regain the lead.
The Brazilians restored their advantage in the 37th minute when Iqraam Rayners, who had also scored from the penalty spot against Pirates in the MTN8 final, met a cross from Tashreeq Matthews and powered the ball past Otieno.
On the stroke of half-time, Teboho Mokoena came close to extending Sundowns’ lead with a free-kick, but Otieno produced a good save to keep Richards Bay in the contest.
Sundowns increased their advantage shortly after the restart. Matthews saw his effort saved by Otieno, but Rayners was on hand to score his second goal of the evening in the 48th minute.
Although the goal was initially ruled out for offside, referee Moreki Lekwape overturned the decision, overruling his second assistant, allowing the goal to stand.
Sundowns were now firmly in control, and Fawaaz Basadien added a fourth goal in the 59th minute, finishing Mokoena’s pass with the inside of his foot to register his first goal for the club.
The strike was a significant milestone for Basadien, whose previous goal had come during his time at Stellenbosch in the 2024/25 season.
For Richards Bay, the prospect of salvaging anything from the match became increasingly remote as Sundowns continued to dominate.
The hosts will be eager to put the defeat behind them, particularly with more favourable fixtures on the horizon. However, their continued struggles are a growing concern, as they remain winless in the league alongside fellow bottom-half sides Siwelele and Marumo Gallants.
Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela was visibly frustrated in the VIP box as he watched his team suffer yet another defeat against Sundowns. The result extended their poor run against the reigning league champions, having now lost 11 of their last 12 encounters.
