Miguel Cardoso handed Nuno Santos his first start of the season, and the Portuguese winger made an immediate impact. In the 14th minute, his cross created chaos in the Richards Bay box, allowing Tashreeq Matthews to fire home on the rebound.
The champions quickly doubled their lead when Malibongwe Khoza rose highest to nod in from a corner after Iqraam Rayners had been denied by goalkeeper Zama Otieno.
Richards Bay clawed one back in the 31st minute as Gabadinho Mhango dispossessed Khoza and cleverly chipped Ronwen Williams.
However, Sundowns restored their cushion just before the interval when Khuliso Mudau was brought down in the box, and Rayners calmly dispatched the penalty to make it 3-1.
Matthews capped off a brilliant individual performance in the 62nd minute, seizing on a rebound after Rayners had rattled the crossbar to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.
The midfielder's energy and composure stood out as Masandawana dominated the second half to close out the contest.
The win moves Sundowns to 21 points from 10 games, reclaiming top spot on the table.
They sit one point clear of Sekhukhune United, who suffered a setback against Polokwane City earlier in the day, though Sundowns have played a game more.
Durban City rally to overcome Magesi and climb into top three
Elsewhere, Durban City fought back from a goal down to claim a 3–1 victory over Magesi in their Betway Premiership clash at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday.
The Citizens, winless in their previous two matches, fell behind when Wonderboy Makhubu headed home for Dikwena tsa Meetse on 29 minutes. But Gavin Hunt's side rallied after the break, with Samkelo Maseko levelling on 50 minutes.
Saziso Magawana's fine strike put City ahead in the 77th minute, before Letsie Koapeng sealed the win late on after Elvis Chipezeze parried Maseko's effort.
The result lifted Durban City to third place, edging Polokwane City on goal difference, while John Maduka's Magesi slipped to 13th following a second straight defeat.
Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye says his side are on track to achieve their aims of retaining their Betway Premiership status in their first season in the South African top-flight.
Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte believes his side has what it takes to pull off another upset when they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on December 6.
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi cut a frustrated figure after watching his side crash out of the Carling Knockout semi-finals despite dominating large spells against Marumo Gallants at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates will enjoy home advantage when they take on Marumo Gallants in the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup final, after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed the venue and date for the much-anticipated clash.
