TSHWANE – Mamelodi Sundowns began their season with a dominant 4-0 victory over Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarterfinal played at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday evening.
Iqraam Rayners struck twice, with Siyabonga Mabena adding a late fourth and Richards Bay captain Simphiwe Mcineka turning the ball into his own net to seal a one-sided affair in the capital.
The Brazilians, who were without star players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau, still managed to overwhelm the KwaZulu-Natal side. The trio’s absence has stirred speculation around possible transfers, with Ribeiro linked to Brazil’s Fluminense, Shalulile to Esperance of Tunisia, and Mudau reportedly locked in talks over a new deal. 
Sundowns took control early, breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute through Rayners’ well-placed header from a corner. Just before half-time, Mcineka’s own goal doubled the hosts’ lead.
Rayners returned after the break to complete his brace in the 54th minute, before Mabena capped off the night with a clinical finish in the 76th.
The emphatic win booked Sundowns a semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates, who are among the other three teams advancing alongside Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch.
