Mamelodi Sundowns strengthened their grip on the Premiership summit with a 3-0 victory over struggling Siwelele on Wednesday, opening a six-point advantage at the top.
Miguel Cardoso made another series of changes following the weekend victory over Golden Arrows, handing Kutlwano Letlhaku his first start of the season while recalling Sphelele Mkhulise, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Malibongwe Khoza and Aubrey Modiba.
Godfrey Mosoetsa, meanwhile, continued to reshape a Siwelele side that parted company with Lehlohonolo Seema earlier this week. Goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni made his debut, while Neo Mokhachane and Selaelo Rasebotja were handed their first starts of the campaign.
Mthombeni immediately showed why he had been trusted, producing an important early save to deny Brayan Leon in a one-on-one.
Sundowns controlled the first half but found Siwelele difficult to break down. The hosts were content to defend deep, with Thabiso Sesane and his backline dealing effectively with the pressure and crosses into the area.
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Their resistance finally ended shortly before the hour. Teboho Mokoena’s powerful effort struck the crossbar and rebounded into the area, where Letlhaku reacted quickest to score into an empty net and open his account for the season.
Cardoso responded by introducing Siyanda Ndlovu and Marcelo Allende in the 65th minute, with Tashreeq Matthews later replacing Antonio van Wyk.
The changes soon paid off. With 12 minutes remaining, Ndlovu pounced on a loose back pass from Aphiwe Baliti before calmly rounding off the move, leaving Mthombeni with no chance.
Matthews completed the scoring in stoppage time with a deft dinked finish.
At the other end, Ronwen Williams was barely troubled as Sundowns secured their third league clean sheet of the season and extended their advantage at the summit.