Sundowns assert their DStv Premiership dominance with win over Pirates

Masandawana were off to a perfect start as Cassius Mailula scored the opening goal with his first attempt in only the sixth minute to put the home team on the back foot.

After the slow start, Bucs earned themselves a free kick in a good position around 20 minutes. The set-piece found Kermit Erasmus who attempted to head home but his connection was poor.

A set-piece was once again Pirates' attacking outlet as Monnapule Saleng swung one in towards the far post where Tapelo Xoki kept it in play before Sundowns cleared.

Saleng was often involved in the hosts' attacking play and he curled a cross into the box where Mothobi Mvala made the clearance for Sundowns.

Mailula went in search of his second goal just past the hour mark but Sipho Chaine made a great save to keep Pirates within a single strike.

Mailula continued tormenting the Buccaneers in the last 10 minutes as he forced another big save from Chaine, and the visitors claimed yet another win to consolidate their lead at the top of the standings.