Goals from Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane helped Mamelodi Sundowns to a comfortable 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in their DStv Premiership encounter on Wednesday.
Sundowns, who were still reeling from the tragic passing of Motjeka Madisha, made two changes from their draw with Maritzburg United, with George Maluleka and Haashim Domingo getting a rare start for their new club.
The Brazilians looked to dominate possession from the onset while the Rockets looked content to play on the counter.
It was through one of those counters that the first chance of the game came as Mbulelo Wambi received the ball in the box from a cut-back by Mokete Mogaila in the 22nd minute, but his effort took a nasty deflection and came off the crossbar.
The Sundowns pressure eventually told in the 32nd minute as Peter Shalulile was slipped through on goal by Themba Zwabe before rifling a low shot through the legs of shotstopper Wensten van der Linde.
Dan Malesela’s team looked to get back into the game, but the well-drilled Sundowns defence dealt with any threat that came its way in the remainder of the half.
The defending league champions came out in the second half looking for ascendancy as Shalulile went close from a corner while Denis Onyango made two comfortable saves to keep out the visitors.
Sundowns, though, eventually doubled their lead as some lovely interplay between Zwane, Shalulile and Lebogang Maboe, provided the 2019-20 Footballer of the Season with a top-class finish to a brilliant move after 75 minutes.
Galaxy looked to get back into the game, but there was no getting past the Downs defence as they claimed another victory to top the standings after seven games.