Sundowns captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams

Mamelodi Sundowns Defeat Richards Bay FC 4-1 in Betway Premiership

by

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Richards Bay FC 4-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium on October 13, 2026, extending their Betway Premiership lead. Iqraam Rayners scored twice after Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien added goals, cementing the victory just days after lifting the MTN8 trophy.

Fresh off a MTN8 final victory against Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns wasted no time turning their attention back to domestic league action. Miguel Cardoso shuffled his starting lineup for the trip to KwaMashu, bringing in Siyanda Ndlovu, Iqraam Rayners, Cassius Mailula, and Fawaaz Basadien to replace Thapelo Morena, Brayan Leon, Nuno Santos, and Aubrey Modiba.

How Sundowns Overcame Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium

The home side nearly drew first blood against the run of play when Nqaba Xulu headed home early on, only for the effort to be controversially ruled out for offside despite appearing level with the backline. Sundowns capitalized on that reprieve in the 18th minute. Ndlovu set up Tashreeq Matthews inside the box, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful shot into the top right corner.

Richards Bay answered almost immediately. Ronwen Williams blocked an initial strike from Khumalo, but Lwandile Mabuya reacted quickest to smash the rebound high into the net, tying the match for the hosts. The parity lasted until the 35th minute, when Matthews delivered a precise cross that Rayners headed home to put the visitors ahead at the interval.

For the fixture at Princess Magogo Stadium, Sboniso Gumede had Nhlakanipho Ngcobo, Sbani Khumalo, Thembela Sikhakhane, Thabisa Ndelu, Khayelihle Mncube, Wandile Ngema, Wandile Ngidi, Olwethy Mbambi, and Lundi Mahala available on the bench. The match officials and coaching staff managed a physical contest that saw Otieno limping after being fouled at a corner kick following his own save.

The Second Half Surge Led by Iqraam Rayners and Fawaaz Basadien

Sundowns pressed their advantage immediately after the restart. Matthews provided another assist for Rayners, who completed his brace despite an initial offside flag that referee Moreki Lekwape overruled after consulting with his officials.

Basadien added the fourth goal later in the half, finishing strongly into the bottom left corner following a clever chipped pass from Teboho Mokoena.

Mamelodi Sundowns Defeat Richards Bay FC 4-1 in Betway Premiership
Photo: Johannesburg Sunday World

Managing a Demanding Schedule Across Multiple Competitions

Playing every three days remains standard practice for the squad, according to goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Goss noted that the team returned straight to training after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“Obviously, it’s exciting to have some silverware, and we are very happy with that. To win it with a clean sheet is a bonus for us, especially as goalkeepers. What a wonderful performance and another way to pick up a trophy,”

Ricardo Goss, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper

Goss expanded on the physical demands placed on the squad during a dense fixture list, emphasizing the routine required to maintain peak performance levels.

“At Mamelodi Sundowns, it is like playing a game every three days. We played on Saturday, and we knew we had a league game on Tuesday. After picking up the MTN8 trophy, we had a session the next day, which gave us Sunday and Monday to prepare for Richards Bay. That’s the life at Sundowns. We just need to keep playing as many games as possible and keep playing every third day,”

Ricardo Goss, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper

Goss also anticipated a high-energy test from their opponents, warning that the youthful Natal Rich Boyz would try to exploit any fatigue from their cup celebrations. The goalkeeper pointed out that their opponents possess an energetic, running style of play.

More on this story: Orlando Pirates Beat Durban City in Extra Time to Reach MTN8 Semifinals

“They’ve got a young side. They’re exciting, they run, they’ve got energy, and we know they’re going to want to run at us. But I think we’ve got the experience, and if we apply that and apply ourselves in the game, we can come away with three difficult points. I think we can do it,”

Ricardo Goss, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper
Interview with Ricardo Goss | Richards Bay FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns | #BetwayPrem

Keep reading

Read next