Mamelodi Sundowns have surged six points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership after they defeated Siwelele FC 3-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilians have played two more matches than nearest chasers and reigning champions Orlando Pirates, but this advantage already feels significant, as Miguel Cardoso’s side racked up a fifth successive victory across all competitions.

As for Siwelele, this first match under caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa did not bring any notable improvement compared to the performances under Lehlohonolo Seema, who was relieved of his duties earlier this week. The Bloemfontein side remained in 15th place on the log, winless after six matches.

Sundowns established control of the game from early on, but spurned several good chances to claim the lead inside the opening quarter hour, including a shot from Cassius Mailula which flashed wide of the mark, as well as Brayan Leon being bravely denied by Siwelele goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni.

The hosts dominated the rest of the first half but were left frustrated by an inability to break down Siwelele. The visitors, for their part, had the occasional threat on the counter and gave Sundowns a heart-in-mouth moment a few minutes before the break when Christian Saile nicked a ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, but Khulumani Ndamane did well to recover and clear – and the flag had also been raised for offside.

The Brazilians had the last notable attacking moment of the first half, with Aubrey Modiba striking from outside the box in the 45th minute, but his effort ballooned high and wide to leave the game goalless at the break.

Sundowns kept up the attacking pressure and were finally rewarded in the 58th minute: Teboho Mokoena’s long-range strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Mthombeni, and Kutlwano Letlhaku had the easiest of tasks to turn home the rebound for a 1-0 lead.

The hosts searched for a second goal to make sure of the three points and in the 79th minute they found it: Aphiwe Baliti played a poor back-pass toward Mthombeni which allowed substitute Siyanda Ndlovu to stab home his second goal in as many matches.

And another substitute, Tashreeq Matthews, added a third in injury time when he capitalised on another defensive error from Siwelele, chipping Mthombeni to wrap up the scoring.

The teams will return to Premiership action this coming weekend, with Sundowns away to Chippa United on Saturday 12 September, and Siwelele at home to Golden Arrows the following day.

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 3 (Letlhaku 58’, Ndlovu 79’, Matthews 90+2’)

Siwelele FC 0

Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Ndamane (Mvala 46’), Modiba, Mokoena, Mkhulise (Allende 63’), Letlhaku (Ndlovu 63’), Van Wyk (Matthews 66’), Mailula (Zwane 80’), Leon

Siwelele: Mthombeni, Mfolozi, Sesane, Ndebele, Baliti, Kobedi (Mazibuko 72’), Mokhuoane (Letshedi 60’), Rasebotja, Pule (Potsane 72’), Saile (Issah 60’), Mokhachane (Jeza 46’)