Mamelodi Sundowns restored their six-point lead over Orlando Pirates with a 4-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows on Sunday evening.
Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso recalled Aubrey Modiba, Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners back in from the Nedbank Cup win over Sibanye Golden Stars.
Ribeiro was extremely close to getting the opener on ten minutes with a curler from the edge of the box after coming side, but he failed to find the top corner.
Masandawana changed tact five minutes from the half-hour mark, with Peter Shalulile introduced for Sphelele Mkhulise.
Ribeiro enjoyed a lot of the ball and played a chipped pass in the box for an unmarked Kobamelo Kodisang to go on the volley, but a brave Ismail Watenga stood equal.
Shalulile's entry proved decisive when he drew a foul from Watenga to win a penalty after attacking a loose ball, and saw Ribeiro do the honours to make it 1-0 with his seventh league goal of the season.
Sundowns remained on the charge minutes into the second half and nearly doubled the lead through a low effort from range by Modiba, but the fullback sent his effort wide of the mark.
The lead were doubled nonetheless in the midway mark of the second half when Rayners ran in to the near post and cutback for Shalulile to volley in the bottom-corner.
Abafana Besthende continued to chase shadows and needed a fine stop from Watenga to deny the host making it three from a free-kick by Mokoena.
Ribeiro missed a glorious chance in the final quarter when he nodded a floating cross to the back-post by Tashreeq Matthews wide of the near post.
The reigning champions atoned moments later after Matthews stole possession in the half-spaces and released Ribeiro, who stepped inside and crossed for Shalulile to tap in for his brace.
Arrows conceded again when Mokoena met a lay-off from Modiba right outside the box and beat the outstretching Watenga with a deflecting shot into the bottom-corner.
With the win, Masandawana moved six points clear ahead of second-place Orlando Pirates at the top of the table as Arrows remained in the top eight.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mokoena, Kekana, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Ribeiro, Allende, Kodisang, Mkhulise, Modiba, Rayners
Subs: Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Johannes, Tiwani, Adams, Esquivel, Matthews, Maseko, Shalulile
Golden Arrows: Watenga ,Shitolo, Theron, S.Cele, Phillips , L.Dube, Van Rooi, Mantshiyane, Ndwandwe, Sibiya, B.Cele
Subs: Maova, Zuke, Lukhele, Gumbi, Ncube, Mutizwa, Sibeko, Masuku, Zwane