Sundowns march on despite absence of key players

Mamelodi Sundowns cruised to their sixth victory on the trot in the DStv Diski Challenge when they thumped Tshwane rivals SuperSport United 3-0 at Tsakane Stadium on Saturday.

Keabetswe Ramotsei, Onele Rulwana and Thando Buthelezi were all on the scoresheet to help Sundowns claim the derby bragging rights.

It was not only bragging rights at stake though as the victory saw them opening a five-point at the top of the DStv Diski Challenge table.

The Young Brazilians are sitting pretty at the top with 53 point, while Stellenbosch FC, Sundowns' closest rivals, are second with 48 points.

Sundowns were without four key players -- Siyabonga Mabena, Thato Nkabinde, Mahlatse Mampane and Kutlwano Letlhaku who are part of the SA Under-20 training camp.

Mabena and Letlhaku are some of the most trusted players that make the team tick. However, on Saturday their absence was not felt as players such as Rulwana and Buthelezi were able to step up and do the job.

SuperSport dominated the early stages of the first half but couldn't convert their chances. Ramotsei broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.

Rulwana made it 2-0 in the 65th minute of the match. Buthelezi then ensured all three points were in the bag when he scored the last goal in the 90th minute.

Earlier, Moroka Swallows stunned TS Galaxy 2-1 at the same venue.

In other matches, Golden Arrows defeated AmaZulu 2-0 and Richards Bay thumped Royal AM 3-1.