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.
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has admitted his side continues to struggle in front of goal but insists the team is working hard to solve the problem ahead of Sunday’s clash with TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is keeping his focus sharply on the Carling Knockout Cup title as his team tops the Betway Premiership table with 28 points after 12 games.
Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised a select few PSL teams for their progressive style of play while criticising the majority for adopting what he calls "negative football."
Orlando Pirates have reportedly secured the services of Stellenbosch and New Zealand forward Andre de Jong ahead of the January transfer window.
