Mamelodi Sundowns made the most of a heavily rotated starting line-up to secure a composed 2-0 victory over Orbit College, a result that lifted them above Orlando Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.

Sundowns now lead the table by a single point from Pirates, but have played two games more than their rivals.

It might have been a first game in over six weeks for the side, but coach Miguel Cardoso opted to shuffle his pack, handing rare starts to several squad players as well as a first senior appearance for 19-year-old winger Thato Sibiya, who justified the faith shown in him with an assured display down the left flank.

Striker Lebogang Mothiba led the line, supported by Kegan Johannes, Sphelele Mkhulise, Jayden Adams and Kutlwano Letlhaku, all of whom were not regular starters in the first half of the campaign.

Despite the changes, Sundowns quickly asserted control, dominating possession and tempo while pinning Orbit deep in their own half. Early chances followed, with Adams rattling the woodwork from a well-struck volley and Mothiba forcing goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe into a sharp save at his near post.

Sundowns’ pressure eventually told midway through the first half. Arthur Sales reacted quickest to a defensive mix-up inside the box and produced an acrobatic finish to give the hosts a deserved lead, his third goal of the league campaign.

A brief floodlight interruption did little to disrupt Sundowns’ rhythm as they continued to dictate proceedings.

Orbit’s attacking opportunities were limited, though they nearly snatched an equaliser against the run of play when Lucky Malatsi attempted an audacious overhead kick that drifted over goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ crossbar. It proved to be their clearest opening of the contest.

Cardoso introduced new signing Brayan Leon at the interval, and the Colombian forward wasted little time making an impact on his debut.

Sibiya, again influential down the flank, delivered an inviting cross that Leon met with a towering header to double Sundowns’ advantage and mark his first goal in South African football.

Orbit were left to rue missed opportunities late on, with substitute Ayanda Lukhele blasting over from close range after a neat cut-back from veteran debutant Surprise Ralani, but the visitors were unable to mount a sustained response.

Sundowns saw out the closing stages with little alarm to claim a comfortable victory, move into first place on the league table and turn their attention to continental matters, with a CAF Champions League clash against Al Hilal awaiting on Friday evening.