Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns moved three points clear of Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night.
Long-serving goalkeeper Denis Onyango started in the absence of the newly-crowned CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Ronwen Williams, while Rushine De Reuck, Thapelo Morena, and Kobamelo Kodisang were also handed starting berths.
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Sundowns pushed a perfect start ten minutes in through a looping header from a cross in the box, but defender Malibongwe Khoza sent his effort high and wide.
The purposed period reaped the desired outcome seven minutes later when Iqraam Rayners applied a deft touch and finished with ease – haunting his former club in the process.
Masandawana were in discomfort just after going ahead as Marcelo Allende sustained a knock on the field and was removed for Neo Maema.
Rayners, who got the winner over Raja Casablanca on Sunday, went searching for a second goal on the half-hour mark but mis-directed Aubrey Modiba's delivery well off the mark.
Stellies weren't causing the reigning champions a great deal of problems at this stage and in fact lacked a spell of sustained forward momentum on and off-the-ball.
As the hosts substituted debutant Eyinnaya Godswill for Kyle Jurgens, the Brazilians were keen to hold on the dominance and take full flight.
This were further highlighted just under five minutes into the second period as Kodisang made a perfect run down the wing and cutback for Modiba, who saw his shot crash against the upright.
Kodisang would seek to go on himself in the hope of rattling the net soon thereafter, but Stephens stood firm and produced a fine close-range save.
Stellenbosch attempted a leveller a little later with a succession of efforts in the area from Andre De Jong and Devon Titus, but Onyango came up trumps with two superb saves at close-rang.
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Masandawana were under more pressure despite having the majority of possession and needed another fine stop from Onyango to repel Titus profiting from close-range.
The Brazilians sustained the late onslaught though and secured the win to open a three-point gap over second-placed Orlando Pirates on the table.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Kazie, Moloisane, Mcaba, Mdaka, Basadien, Nduli, Palace, Adams, Titus, De Jong.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango, Morena, De Reuck, Khoza, Lunga, Aubaas, Allende, Modiba, Ribeiro, Kodisang, Rayners,
Subs: Tshabalala, Mudau, Mashego, Maboe, Mkhulise, Maema, Lethlaku, Sales, Shalulile