Mamelodi Sundowns opened a 12-point lead over Orlando Pirates following a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was the sole survivor from Masandawana's win over Mpheni Home Defenders in the Nebank Cup on Sunday, as Junior Dion returned for the host upfront.
Sundowns should've gone ahead after the opening-quarter through a point-blank header by Jayden Adams, but he shaved the top corner and missed completely.
Lucas Ribeiro also threatened the lead with a curling strike outside the box after playing a one-two, but Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi made a remarkable stop.
The champions were behind in the closing quarter after an unmarked Dion showed a strong leap at the back-post to head in Daniel Msendami's cross.
Gallants looked to add a second goal before halftime through the overlapping runs in the wide channels, but the Brazilians managed to hold firm.
The Brazilians came out for the second half charged up and levelled matters when Marcelo Allende stepped in the box to get onto Iqraam Rayners' pass and fired into the bottom-corner.
Ribeiro received a decent chance from a tight angle in the box, but he riffled over amidst a number of challengers around him.
Sundowns revived their attack around the midway stage of the second half and saw Peter Shalulile make way for Arthur Sales.
Masandawana began to take charge around the last ten minutes as Ribeiro picked up a low cross in the box and fired in off the inside post for his tenth league goal of the season.
Rayners put the clash beyond doubt when he latched onto a loose ball from Arubi and showed the presence of mind to finish with ease.
There were drama later on as Onynago saw red for a foul on Gabadinho Mhango, and saw Thapelo Morena take goal after the club had made all of their substitutes.
Masandawana weren't in any danger of note though, but sustained the final minutes to walk away with the points and continue to sit pretty at the top.
Confirmed line-ups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Khumalo, Nthatheni, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Nemtajela, Sithole, Manaka, Msendami, Dion, Zindonga
Subs: K. Mlambo, Rikhotso, Mahlatsi, Mhango, Mokobodi, Mphambaniso, Ncube, Prins, Mabotja
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Mokoena, Kekana, Suarez, Adams, Ribeiro, Modiba, Allende, Rayners, Morena, Shalulile
Subs: February, Lebusa, Cupido, Tiwani, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Letlhaku, Maseko, Sales