Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off the defence of their Betway Premiership title with a 2-0 victory against Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at Loftus on Tuesday.
Iqraam Rayners, on his league debut for Sundowns, put the hosts ahead just after the hour mark while Lucas Ribeiro wrapped up the points just three minutes later.
Masandawana came into the opening league clash having convincingly beaten Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the first leg of the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League.
While for SuperSport it was the first competitive game since early in August when they lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals of the MTN8.
After a rather uninspiring first half, the contest sprang to life when Rayners opened the scoring after the hosts put together a devastating attack.
It was 2-0 shortly after and SuperSport were their own worst enemies as they gave the ball away in the middle of the park and Sundowns ruthlessly punished the visitors with Ribeiro providing the finishing touch.
From there the Brazilians were untested as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams did not have much to do and kept a clean sheet.
Sundowns have the second leg of the Caf Champions League encounter at the weekend while SuperSport host Royal AM in league action on Saturday.
Our first #BetwayPrem Man of the Match! Well played Lucas! 👆#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/tFNsNNnVDc
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 17, 2024
