Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Marumo Gallants 4-0 on Sunday afternoon to take the Brazilians five points clear at the top of the DStv Premiership table.

The defending champions got off to a rough start when Khuliso Mudau was stretchered off with what looked like a nasty injury after just nine minutes with Thapelo Morena coming on as his replacement.

Eventually Downs started to dominate possession of the ball and the chance began to come as first Neo Maema had a sight on goal when he cut in from the right and unleashed a left-footed effort that went just wide of the left post.

The newly promoted side were looking to sit back and absorb pressure, but this was asking for issues in welcoming Sundowns to pressure them which eventually paid off as Themba Zwane fired them ahead in the 24th minutes. The South African got on the end of a wonderful flowing mover and provided a classy finish to give his side the lead.

Six minutes later and Downs almost had a second as Maema struck the post after being set up by Pavol Safranko.

The Brazilians came out in the second half looking to assert their dominance as they went close through Maema and Mosa Lebusa in the opening 10 minutes.

Gallants were doing well to stay in game but when Shalulile got on the end of a swift counter in the 78th minute to double the lead the game was all but over.

The defending champs then showed their class in the closing stages as Safranko and Shalulile both got on the scoresheet to guide their side to an impressive 4-0 win which takes them five points clear at the top of the table.