By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory over Orbit College at Olympia Park in Rustenburg to go top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Sundowns enjoyed a lot of the opening exchanges, creating two clear-cut scoring chances; however, Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales could not convert.
After a frustrating first half, the Brazilians needed less than three minutes of the second half to claim the lead: Sales played a cross to the far post to find Nuno Santos, who set up Miguel Reisinho with a cushioned header – the Portuguese no.7 swept the ball home at close range to see the visitors 1-0 up and register his first Betway Premiership goal.
Sundowns were then awarded a penalty when Ramahlwe Mphahlele caught Khuliso Mudau in trying to make a clearance. Rayners emphatically struck home from 12 yards to rack up his 10th league goal of the season and put the champions 2-0 up on the hour mark.
The Brazilians held on to their lead to complete a double on Orbit College and returned to the summit of the log standings, with Orlando Pirates dropping to second place.
Sundowns will be back in action on Friday in the CAF Champions League when they host Stade Malien for the first leg of their quarterfinal tie, while Orbit will have to wait until March 22 for their next league match, away to Siwelele FC.