Mamelodi Sundowns reached the top of the Premiership standings when they overcame a spirited Bidvest Wits fight back to win 3-2 at the Mbombela Stadium, in Nelspruit.

The rampant Brazilians took a 3-0 lead at half-time with strikes from midfielder Surprise Moriri and a brace from fit-again striker Katlego Mphela, as a rejuvenated Teko Modise buzzed in midfield.

Wits, who were horrendous in defence in the first-half, fought back in the second-half.

Goals came from defender and former Bafana captain Mbulelelo Mabizela in the 63rd minute and from midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi seven minutes later.

In the clinical first 45 minutes, Moriri headed in his first goal of the season for Sundowns in the 12th minute from a corner kick. Captain on the night, Mphela, netted in the 24th and 29th minutes to move his goal tally to five in the league this season.

It was Wits who had the first chance at goal in the match, with Mabizela heading over the post in the fifth minute.

Then, Sundowns ran amok, with striker Mabhuti Khenyeza drawing a save from Energy Murambadoro moments later.

Complacency seemed to set in during the second half when they allowed Wits back into the game aided by the introduction of veteran Stanton Fredericks and Sifiso Vilakazi for the ineffective Brazilian Rodrigues and striker Brad Ritson.

Wits could have been awarded a penalty by referee Robert Sithole after striker Bhongolwethu Jayiya was fouled in the box by Punch Masenamela.

In an attempt to force a late draw, Wits's influential Mabizela had a free kick outside the box that Sundowns' keeper Wayne Sandilands had to tip over the bar.

Sundowns hung on for the win, which now sees them on top with 10 points, from three wins and a draw.

Second-placed Kaizer Chiefs -- with nine points, having won their three games -- have a testing fixture against Ajax Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday that could see them reclaim their top spot with a win.

What might work to Sundowns' advantage is that Chiefs have another challenging encounter against Orlando Pirates, while Sundowns welcomes Ajax -- who are not the best of travellers -- this weekend.