Peter Shalulile netted a hat-trick for Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated Marumo Gallants 3-1 and secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup last eight.
Sundowns recalled Denis Onyango, Mosa Lebusa, Sifiso Ngobeni, Bongani Zungu and Thapelo Morena to the starting eleven following their 2-2 draw in the CAF Champions League against Al Ahly.
The Brazilians made a good start when Neo Maema's curling ball landed perfectly for Peter Shalulile, who brought the ball under control and tucked into the bottom corner on eight minutes.
It was very nearly two for the defending champions three minutes later from a towering header by Mothobi Mvala, but the defender could not pick out the target.
Shalulile took initiative and completed his brace when he and Themba Zwane combined on the edge of the box before slotting in from close-range in the midway point.
Gallants hit back after the half-hour mark where Lucky Mohomi dummied one challenge and laid the ball off for Boitumelo Pheko to rifle into the top corner from 30-yards out with Onyango rooted to his area.
The home side were encouraged by the goal and made a strong start to the second half, with runs into wide spaces by Monde Mphambaniso and Mohomi stretched the Sundowns back-line.
The Brazilians instituted two substitutions around the final quarter and removed Zwane for Haashim Domingo before they introduced Rivaldo Coetzee in place of Cassius Mailula.
Shalulile caused more problems for the host and completed his hat-trick when he got on the end of a curling free-kick by Maema and stabbed in at the far post of the area.
Masandawana enjoyed a comfortable final phase and were able to bring on young Thando Buthelezi for his debut and gave Terrence Mashego some minutes on his return from injury.
The defending champions didn't add more goals nor did last season's runners-up stage a comeback despite the late moments, as the boys from Tshwane snatched victory for a quarter-final spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Gumede, Thangwane, Khina, Pheko, Mphambaniso, Mohomi, Manak, Makudubela, Letsie, Sibeko
Subs: Abram, Otladisa, Lesiba, Chivaviro, Soumaro, Kgoetyane, Nkomo, Maraisane, Moseamedi.
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Morena, Ngobeni, Lebusa, Mvala, Zungu, Allende, Maema, Zwane, Mailula, Shalulile
Subs: Pieterse, B.Onyango, Mudau, Mashego, Coetzee, Mokoena, Buthelezi, Domingo, Kutumela.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.