Orlando Pirates run rampant again, Mamelodi Sundowns edge Durban City in Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns both claimed wins at the top of the Betway Premiership on Tuesday to keep alive the gripping title race, while there were also precious victories elsewhere in the league.

Free-scoring Pirates

Pirates followed up their 6-0 win over TS Galaxy in their previous game with a 5-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows to give their goal difference another healthy boost. That could be worth an extra point come the end of the season.

Relebohile Mofokeng made it five goals in two games with a brace, his first a beautiful shot from 25 yards that found the top corner. His second was a fine run into the box and a low shot.

Oswin Appollis also scored from long range, and then added a late fifth, while unfortunate Golden Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova palmed the ball into his own net after a cross from Masindi Nemtajela was deflected towards him.

Sundowns maintain their two-point lead over Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership table, though the latter have extended their superior goal difference. Sundowns are on +30 and Pirates on +36.

Both teams have seven games remaining, with Pirates able to go top of the league when they go to Richards Bay on Friday night.

Sundowns will take on Tunisian side Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Sunday, but are back in domestic league action next Wednesday at Polokwane City.

Sundowns win again

Sundowns claimed a 10th successive league win with a 1-0 success at Durban City, but were also surprisingly wasteful in front of goal.

Sundowns hit the front on 10 minutes and it was a first goal in the colours of the club for Tsiki Ntsabeleng. He cut in from the left wing and was fed in the box by Marcelo Allende, whose pass was perfect for him to run onto and fire low past Darren Keet in the home goal.

It is his first goal since he scored for Dallas against DC United in Major League Soccer in August 2024, and just his third career goal in all.

Arthur Sales then provided a contender for miss of the season when he somehow hit the woodwork from less than a yard out with the goal gaping. Brayan Leon also hit the post in the second half.

Huge win for Magesi

Bottom side Magesi FC were handed a lifeline when they claimed a 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants.

Tholang Mashigo, Motsie Matima and Thabang Sibanyoni scored their goals as they claimed a precious win that leaves them just a single point from safety, with Orbit College and Gallants on 18 points to Magesi’s 17.

It is a first win for Magesi in 14 games in all competitions, and a first success for their coach Allan Freese. It is also their biggest victory since they were promoted to the top flight.

Gallants had their new Moroccan coach Jamil Benouahi in the dugout. He now knows the size of his task.

Chippa a step closer to safety

Chippa United have moved five points clear of the drop zone with a 1-0 home win over Siwelele.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored the only goal of the game as he continued his fine recent form that has seen him net four times in his last seven appearances.

Siwelele could have moved into the top eight with a win, but the fact that they have only scored 12 goals in 22 league games this season again came back to bite them.

Stellies’ run ends

Stellenbosch lost in the league for the first time since early December when they went down 2-1 at Richards Bay to put the brakes on their hunt for a top-eight place.

Former Stellenbosch player Sanele Barns put the home side ahead, before Genino Palace equalised for the Cape Winelands club.

But Moses Mthembu restored the advantage for the home side from the penalty spot and they held on for the win.

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