Orlando Pirates Dominate Once More, Mamelodi Sundowns Narrowly Defeat Durban City in Betway Premiership

High-Scoring Pirates

The Pirates continued their scoring spree, following an impressive 6-0 triumph against TS Galaxy with a convincing 5-0 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows, significantly enhancing their goal difference—a factor that could be invaluable come season’s end.

Relebohile Mofokeng stood out once more, netting two goals that took his tally to five in just two games. His first originated from a stunning 25-yard strike that found the top corner, while his second was a swift run into the box, culminating in a precise low shot.

Oswin Appollis added to the tally with a long-range effort and later scored a fifth goal late in the game, while Golden Arrows’ goalkeeper Edward Maova had an unfortunate moment when he deflected a cross from Masindi Nemtajela into his own net.

Sundowns retain a two-point advantage at the summit of the Betway Premiership table over Pirates, although the latter’s superior goal difference has improved, with Sundowns now on +30 and Pirates on +36.

With seven fixtures left in the season, Pirates have the chance to leapfrog to the top when they face Richards Bay on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Sundowns prepare to take on Tunisian side Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Sunday, before returning to league action next Wednesday against Polokwane City.

Sundowns Triumph Again

Sundowns celebrated a remarkable tenth consecutive league victory with a narrow 1-0 win over Durban City, although their finishing left a lot to be desired.

The game began brightly for Sundowns, with Tsiki Ntsabeleng scoring his first goal for the club just ten minutes in. After cutting in from the left, he was perfectly set up by Marcelo Allende, allowing him to slot the ball low past home goalkeeper Darren Keet.

This marked Ntsabeleng’s first goal since his time with Dallas in Major League Soccer back in August 2024, and only the third goal of his career.

Arthur Sales, however, presented a strong contender for the miss of the season, hitting the woodwork from mere inches out, while Brayan Leon also struck the post in the second half.

Crucial Win for Magesi

Bottom-placed Magesi FC received a much-needed boost with a decisive 3-0 victory over fellow relegation battlers Marumo Gallants.

The goals were scored by Tholang Mashigo, Motsie Matima, and Thabang Sibanyoni, lifting Magesi just a point away from safety, with both Orbit College and Gallants stuck on 18 points compared to Magesi’s 17.

This win marks Magesi’s first in 14 matches across all competitions and is the inaugural victory for their coach, Allan Freese. It also stands as their largest margin of victory since their promotion to the top flight.

Gallants welcomed their new Moroccan coach, Jamil Benouahi, to his first match at the helm, where he immediately faced the challenge ahead.

Chippa Moves Closer to Safety

Chippa United strengthened their position, moving five points clear of the relegation zone following a 1-0 win over Siwelele.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored the game’s sole goal, marking his impressive run of form that has seen him find the net four times in his last seven outings.

Siwelele could have elevated themselves into the top eight with a win; however, their struggle to score—managing only 12 goals in 22 league games this season—proved detrimental.

Stellenbosch’s Streak Comes to an End

Stellenbosch’s unbeaten run in the league came to an abrupt halt with a 2-1 defeat against Richards Bay, their first loss since early December, stalling their push for a top-eight finish.

Former Stellenbosch player Sanele Barns opened the scoring for Richards Bay, but Genino Palace responded with an equaliser for the visitors. Moses Mthembu then regained the lead for the home side with a penalty, paving the way for their win.