Sundowns thrash Polokwane to open five-point lead over title rivals Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Polokwane City on Sunday afternoon, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points over Orlando Pirates.

Making just two changes from their midweek fixture, Sundowns brought in Thapelo Morena and Tashreeq Matthews for Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile. Polokwane City made a single alteration, with Mpho Mvundlela returning to the lineup in place of Lebogang Nkaki.

From the outset, Sundowns controlled possession, forcing Rise and Shine to defend deep and rely on counter-attacks. The early pressure created several opportunities for the Brazilians, with headed attempts from Iqraam Rayners and Matthews testing goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula.

The breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark when Rayners connected with a Teboho Mokoena cross, directing a powerful header into the bottom corner for his 12th league goal of the season.

Polokwane miss penalty and pay dearly

Polokwane City attempted to find a quick response before halftime, pushing forward late in the half, but the home side’s defence held firm to protect their lead going into the break.

Hoping to turn the tide, Polokwane City made a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Puleng Marema for Sibusiso Tshabalala and Raymond Daniels for Sapholwethu Kelepu. However, their plans were disrupted just 10 minutes later when Sundowns doubled their advantage. Matthews found space on the far side of the box and expertly curled a shot into the bottom corner.

Iqraam Rayners is keeping himself on Hugo Broos' radar 🇿🇦👀

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/TK7kfF8ISM

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 3, 2026

Polokwane City were handed a golden opportunity to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Aubrey Modiba. Unfortunately for the visitors, Marema slipped during his run-up and sent the spot-kick wide of the target.

Where does victory leave Sundowns?

Polokwane continued to search for a goal, with Monty Batlhabane intercepting a loose pass from Khulumani Ndamane to go one-on-one, but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Sundowns sealed the victory five minutes from time. Substitute Nuno Santos, making his return to action, received a clever pass from Brayan Leon and finished clinically from a tight angle to make it 3-0.

The final minutes passed without incident as Masandawana cruised to a comfortable win, completing the league double over Polokwane City and strengthening their position at the summit of the league standings.

Sundowns now have 64 points, five more than Pirates from 27 games, although the Buccaneers can narrow it down to two if they beat Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday.