Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over 10-man Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Masandawana climbed to the top of the league standings - a point above second-placed Sekhukhune United, who have a game in hand. Coach Miguel Cardoso's defending champions will be looking to extend their lead when they take on Marumo Gallants away on September 17.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse, on the other hand, remained 14th in the standings - just a point above rock-bottom Chippa United, who have a game in hand. Coach John Maduka will be determined to ensure that his side bounces back to winning ways when they host Siwelele FC on September 20.

Even though Dikwena Tsa Meetse threatened first through Wonderboy Makhubu, whose attempt was well-saved by Ronwen Williams in the ninth minute, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Thapelo Morena's scuffed shot found Kutlwano Letlhaku, who netted to make it 1-0 to Sundowns.

Masandawana then exerted pressure on the Dikwena Tsa Meetse's defence and the visitors were dealt another blow as they were reduced to 10 players in the 42nd minute. Sammy Darpoh picked up his second yellow card of the game and he was dismissed by referee Xola Sitela. The score was 1-0 to Sundowns at the interval.

The hosts took advantage of their numerical superiority over their visitors from Limpopo. Morena grabbed his second assist of the match when his cross found Iqraam Rayners at the back post and the Bafana Bafana forward hit the back of the net to hand Sundowns a 2-0 lead in the 66th minute with the Magesi defence caught napping.

Rayners was hungry for goals and he grabbed his second of the match in the 74th minute. This time, the eventual Man of the Match connected well with a lovely free-kick by Aubrey Modiba and found the back of the net to seal Sundowns' well-deserved 3-0 victory over a hapless Magesi side on the day.

Sundowns (1) 3 (Letlhaku 22', Rayners 66', 74')

Magesi 0

Sundowns: Williams, Morena (Mvala 75'), Modiba, Lebusa, Khoza, Aubaas, Allende (Adams 69'), Matthews (Zwane 64'), Letlhaku (Mabena 64'), Sales (Maseko 64'), Rayners.

Magesi: Chipezeze, Mashigo (Sibanyoni 70'), Buthelezi, Makgoga, Abrahams, Mtshali (Matima 81'), Zungu (Mahlasela 46'), Darpoh, Mosadi (Mariba 81'), Makhubu, Chirambadare (Seseane 46')