Mamelodi Sundowns have joined fellow ‘Big Three’ clubs Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the Betway Premiership after they defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians bossed Bahlabane ba Ntwa through 90 minutes in this catch-up fixture, and claimed all three points thanks to goals from Malibongwe Khoza and Cassius Mailula. They drew level with Pirates and Chiefs on seven points apiece at the top of the log.
3️⃣ points and a clean sheet secured on our return to Loftus👆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 19, 2026
Mamelodi Sundowns (21' Khoza, 68' Mailula) 2️⃣➖0️⃣ Marumo Gallants #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #NeverStopRising pic.twitter.com/QuFZcwWUAQ
Gallants, meanwhile, remained winless through the first three rounds of the league season and have dropped to last (16th) on the standings.
Sundowns established dominance and control from the early minutes, but had to wait until nearly the midway point of the first half to claim the lead.
A corner kick routine in the 21st minute saw Bathusi Aubaas head a ball into the danger area which was struck home by Malibongwe Khoza – via a vain effort to block the shot on the goal line from Gallants’ defence.
The hosts did suffer one major blow in the first half, with Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau suffering a suspected Achilles injury which forced a departure on a stretcher.
He was replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa in the 38th minute.
"It's a very very severe injury" ❌🦵
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 19, 2026
Miguel Cardoso on Khuliso Mudau's condition 🎙️#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/JcWYLLU8f5
The Brazilians should have doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when Bennet Mokoena played a great pass to put Cassius Mailula in on goal, but the latter’s heavy first touch made the chance more difficult than it should have been, and Sibusiso Ncube was able to make a clearance.
Sundowns made a triple change just past the hour mark, throwing on Themba Zwane, Siyanda Ndlovu and Aubrey Modiba.
The first two players combined beautifully in the 66th minute, with Ndlovi playing a defence-splitting pass to hand Zwane a clear sight of goal, but the veteran fluffed his lines.
However, Sundowns did not have to wait long for a second goal, with Brayan Leon teeing up Mailula, who continued his fine scoring form this season by driving home a left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area in the 68th minute.
The teams will continue their Premiership campaigns next midweek, with Gallants at home to TS Galaxy on Tuesday 25 August, while Sundowns will host AmaZulu FC the following day.
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Khoza 21’, Mailula 68’)
Marumo Gallants 0
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau (Mdunyelwa 38’), Khoza, Kekana, Basadien (Modiba 62’), Aubaas, Allende, Matthews (Zwane 62’), B. Mokoena (Ndlovu 62’), Malilula (Letlhaku 76’), Leon
Gallants: Lako, Rikhotso, Mabuza (Marebane 72’), Luthuli (Button 56’), Kunene (Dhludhlu 72’), Madiba, Sikakane, Ncube, Ndlondlo, Manaka, Otladisa (Mkhwanazi 87’)