Sundowns Open Five Point Lead

Mamelodi Sundowns tightened their grip on the Betway Premiership title race with a dominant 3-0 victory over Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, 3 May. The clinical performance allowed “Masandawana” to open a significant five-point gap over second-placed Orlando Pirates, though the Buccaneers retain a game in hand.

The scoring opened in the 32nd minute when Iqraam Rayners rose to meet a Teboho Mokoena cross, netting his 12th league goal of the season. Tashreeq Matthews doubled the advantage in the 56th minute with a powerful strike, before substitute Nuno Santos sealed the result in the 85th minute. Polokwane City had a chance to fight back, but Puleng Marema blazed a 65th-minute penalty over the bar.

Reflecting on the game, Sundowns head coach said “I am very happy with the clinical nature we showed today. We knew Polokwane would be a difficult nut to crack, but the intensity in our transitions was much better. To have a five-point gap is good, but we aren’t celebrating yet.”

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe was visibly frustrated following the result, pointing to a lack of composure and tactical discipline as the reason for the heavy scoreline. The visitors were given a lifeline in the 65th minute after a handball by Aubrey Modiba, but substitute Puleng Marema blazed his penalty over the crossbar. City remain in sixth place, fighting to secure a top-eight finish. With Pirates facing Stellenbosch and Sundowns set to host Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, the league remains in a state of high tension as the 2025/2026 season nears its conclusion.

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