The Betway Premiership returned this evening with four mouthwatering clashes taking place across South Africa.
CAF inter-club participants Durban City, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates were all in action, capping off an entertaining night of football. Let’s take a look at the results below.
Sundowns keep foot on the pedal
Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns earned a convincing 4-1 victory over Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium. Miguel Cardoso’s side, fresh off their MTN8 trophy celebrations, showed no signs of a hangover in Durban.
Tashreeq Matthews gave the visitors the lead in the 18th minute with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after being teed up by Siyanda Ndlovu.
The hosts found an equaliser in the 22nd minute when Lwandle Mabuya slotted home after reacting quickest to a rebound inside the Sundowns box.
However, Iqraam Rayners restored his side’s lead in the 37th minute before completing his brace immediately after half-time with a simple tap-in.
Sundowns then made it 4-1 in the 59th minute after Fawaaz Basadien expertly finished off Teboho Mokoena’s cut-back to complete the rout.
Pirates pick up sixth successive league win
Orlando Pirates kept the pressure firm on Mamelodi Sundowns with a solid 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Boitumelo Radiopane finished off a crisp team move from close range. Tshepang Moremi then gave Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side some breathing space with a deflected strike that caught Eliezer Tape out at his near post.
Simphiwe Masilela capped off the performance in the 76th minute with a neat finish following a lovely one-two with Kabelo Kgosietsile to ensure Pirates walked away with a convincing victory.
Kaizer Chiefs drop points again
Kaizer Chiefs were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The visitors took the lead early in the second half through Sinoxolo Kwayiba in the 48th minute, but Mduduzi Shabalala levelled matters 10 minutes later with a neat finish after bypassing his marker in the box.
The Amakhosi pushed hard for a winner in the closing exchanges, but it was not to be as Stellies held firm. The result means Chiefs have managed just one win in their last six league matches, with the remaining five all ending in draws.
AmaZulu claim important derby win
AmaZulu FC continued their impressive start to the season after edging local rivals Durban City 2-1 at the Chatsworth Stadium.
First-half goals from Mlondi Mbanjwa and Athini Maqokola sent Usuthu into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion. Haashim Domingo managed to pull one back for City in the second half, but AmaZulu held on for all three points.
How the top of the table looks after tonight’s results
Mamelodi Sundowns’ win keeps them one point clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership standings, however the Buccaneers do have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Usuthu’s derby victory moves them up to 19 points, opening up a five-point gap over fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
