Mamelodi Sundowns have strengthened their grip on the Betway Premiership title race after beating struggling Siwelele 3-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Brazilians endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes as they struggled to break down a Siwelele side that appeared determined to frustrate the league leaders.
The first half ended goalless, leaving Sundowns with plenty to do after the interval.
But Miguel Cardoso’s charges returned from the dressing room a different side and eventually found their way through the Siwelele defence to secure another convincing victory.
The three-goal victory takes Sundowns to 19 points, six clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who remain on 13 points but have two matches in hand.
The result also improves Sundowns’ goal difference to +12, compared with Pirates’ +11, giving Masandawana a one-goal advantage in that department despite the Buccaneers having played two matches fewer.
The result further underlines Sundowns’ impressive start to their title defence. They have now established themselves as the team to beat at the top of the standings, while Pirates will have to make their games in hand count if they are to close the growing gap.
For Siwelele, however, the night added to an already difficult start to the campaign.
The Bloemfontein-based side, who recently parted ways with coach Lehlohonolo Seema, have now slipped to 15th position on the log.
Their struggles have intensified at a time when the club is searching for stability on and off the field, with the departure of Seema coming after a poor run of results.
Sundowns, meanwhile, can take confidence from another clean sheet and three more points as their title charge gathers momentum.
The six-point advantage over Pirates may not yet tell the full story because the Buccaneers have two games in hand, but Sundowns have certainly put the pressure firmly on their closest challengers.