Sundowns Crush Richards Bay To Reach MTN8 Semi-Finals

Mamelodi Sundowns showed their dominance on Sunday, defeating Richards Bay with a resounding 4-0 victory to secure a spot in the MTN8 semi-finals.

The match took place at Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Sundowns were widely expected to win, having beaten the Natal Rich Boyz in their eight previous encounters.

Sundowns now joins defending champions Orlando Pirates, along with Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United, in the semi-final draw, which is scheduled to take place soon.

A major talking point before the match was the absence of key players Peter Shalulile, Khuliso Mudau, and Lucas Ribeiro Costa from the starting lineup. All three are rumored to be involved in contract disputes or linked with potential transfers. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso offered a brief comment to SuperSport TV, stating that the matter was an internal club issue and he had no opinion on it. This statement will likely cause concern for fans, as Mudau and Costa, in particular, were crucial to the team’s success last season and during the FIFA Club World Cup. Costa is reportedly a target for clubs in both Qatar and Brazil.

Despite these absences, the team didn’t miss a beat. Iqraam Rayners, who also impressed at the Club World Cup, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. A corner kick from Marcelo Allende found Rayners unmarked at the back post, who headed the ball in with ease.

Richards Bay, making their debut in the MTN8 after finishing in the top eight for the first time last season, struggled to contain Sundowns’ relentless attack. The home side dominated possession and territory. The pressure paid off just before halftime when Simphiwe Mcineka scored an own goal. A dangerous cross from Teboho Mokoena forced Mcineka into a sliding clearance, but the ball was deflected into his own net with goalkeeper Salim Magoola out of position.

Rayners secured his brace in the 54th minute, running onto a pass from Arthur Sales and firing a shot past Magoola at the near post.

The final goal came in the 76th minute from Siyabonga Mabena, a youngster who was hampered by injuries last season. He skillfully weaved past defenders on the right wing, cut inside, and took a shot that took a significant deflection before finding the back of the net. The entire Sundowns technical bench celebrated with the young player, who was met with cheers from the crowd every time he touched the ball.

Sundowns was never truly tested in this match, which served as a strong statement of intent for the new season. They are expected to be major contenders for all competitions once again, and it will take a significant effort to stop their dominance.