Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was delighted to see his side return to winning ways with a thumping 4-1 victory over Richards Bay.
It was a far improved performance from the Brazilians from the one that saw them lose 1-0 to Golden Arrows last time out.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in 15 minutes, and Malibongwe Khoza netted a second goal on 27 minutes.
Gabadinho Mhango reduced the deficit with his effort on the half-hour mark, but Sundowns were comfortable winners when Iqraam Rayners netted a 41st-minute penalty and Matthews sealed the result with his second of the night on 62 minutes.
The result saw Downs move top of the league with 21 points from 10 games, one clear of Sekhuhkune United, but having played a game more.
Cardoso told SuperSport: “You can have a bad day but cannot have two.
“It was a very difficult pitch to play football on, unfortunately, and for a team that wants to play good football, it’s very hard. But the boys knew that it should not relate to that but to the capacity they have, and they started very strong.
“It was important to start strong, start scoring, get the confidence, and don’t allow hopes because sometimes when you cannot score, you create doubts in yourselves and after that, not the result you have.”
Cardoso added, “I just want to tell the Masandawana family again to support the team. It’s just a team with a lot of new players that have just arrived, and the team is growing. It’s going to grow. Obviously, sometimes setbacks don’t help, but that’s got a lot to do with and a lot to achieve.”
Sundowns are next in action against Marumo Gallants in the first round of the Carling Knockout next weekend.