Matuludi's Brace Sends Sundowns to the Top

Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed the top position in the Betway Premiership log on October 31, 2026, after Thabang Matuludi's brace led them to a convincing 3-1 victory over Durban City. Coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes from the side that narrowly defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout, opting for a line-up closer to his preferred starting XI. Matuludi, along with Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos, Tashreeq Matthews, Cassius Mailula, and Brayan Leon, returned to the starting line-up.

Sundowns opened the match with strong intent, aiming to reclaim their place at the top of the table after Orlando Pirates had temporarily taken the lead. In the ninth minute, a fine save by Frderick Asare denied Cassius Mailula's attempt to score. Durban City had a significant opportunity in the 23rd minute when Ethan Brooks found himself inside the box, only to send his shot over the bar.

In the 32nd minute, Sundowns nearly broke the deadlock through Matuludi, but Asare managed to push the ball around the post. The subsequent corner kick found Matuludi unmarked, allowing him to score with a powerful header. The match continued to see Sundowns in control, while Durban struggled to pose a serious threat to goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Thabang Matuludi completed his first brace for Sundowns in the 66th minute, scoring again with another well-placed header that doubled the lead to 2-0. Just a minute later, the Citizens almost responded when Bokang Mokwena found space but missed again, shooting over the bar. Shortly thereafter, Siyanda Ndlovu nearly made it 3-0 for Sundowns; however, Asare intervened with another vital save in the 71st minute.

Matuludi threatened a hat-trick two minutes later, but once more, his shot went over the bar after a deflection from Asare's hand. Second-half substitute Iqraam Rayners extended the lead to 3-0 in the 79th minute with a goal following an excellent cross from Ndlovu.

Jean Lwamba pulled one back for Durban with four minutes remaining, finding the net after a skilled touch and snapshot from within the box, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, Sundowns restored their three-goal advantage when Antonio Van Wyk calmly finished with the very last kick of the match in the 94th minute.

This victory propelled Sundowns back to the top of the log with 26 points after 10 matches, one point ahead of Orlando Pirates, who still have a game in hand.