Mamelodi Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to six points after a 3-0 win over Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening.
In a rather dire opening half where Sundowns knew continuing their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 league campaign would add pressure to the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, they looked sluggish in the final third.
The much-changed set-up which saw Siyanda Ndlovu, Marcelo Allende and Tashreeq Matthews drop to the bench, they lacked their usual fluidity – but all three later made it onto the pitch as they kicked into another gear.
However, prior to the changes their was an emotional return to action of veteran defender Mothobi Mvala – making his first appearance in almost 12 months, since he took to the pitch on 24 September 2025 against Golden Arrows.
Kutlwano Letlhaku was the one who broke the dead-lock just before the hour mark, in his first start of the season, prodding home a tap-in past fellow debutant Wandile Mthombeni – who was in inspiring form for the visitors.
But it was a moment of brilliance that saw him beaten, Teboho Mokoena’s long range struck came off the cross bar for the young winger to have the simple task of tapping it in for the opener.
It could have been more comfortable for Miguel Cardoso’s side but an incredible save from Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick and a save from point blank range against in-form Cassius Mailula kept Siwelele in the game going into the last 15 minutes of the encounter.
Though, any hope of a potential comeback was dashed in the 80th minute when Ndlovu capitalised on a defensive lapse of concentration to double the lead.
Tashreeq Matthews put the icing on top after pouncing on a lose ball and chipping the ball over the onrushing Mthombeni to make it 3-0 in the 92nd minute.
Led by Godfrey Mosoetsa, after the mid-week sacking of Lehlohonolo Seema and Musa Bilankulu, it proved to be a game they could potentially take confidence from, despite the loss.
Three points for Sundowns makes it six wins and one draw in seven games, top of the table, while Siwelele remain 15th, winless, with two points in six games.