Mamelodi Sundowns began their Betway Premiership title defence with a 1-1 draw against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 9 August.

Miguel Cardoso’s side went into the break 1-0 up after Arthur Sales broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, but they were forced to share the points when new signing Khaya Mfecane equalised in the 65th minute.

Bafana ba Style did the league double over Chippa last season, winning 3-0 both home and away, and opened their 2025/26 campaign with a commanding 4-0 win against Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarterfinals last weekend. They dominated possession again in Gqeberha, creating early chances, but Sinethemba Badela’s team defended well to keep them at bay.

The deadlock was broken just after the half-hour mark when Tashreeq Matthews picked out Sales in the box, and the Brazilian slotted past Stanley Nwabali. Chippa nearly hit back quickly on 37 minutes with a counter-attack, but their effort flew wide.

Sundowns continued to control proceedings after the break, with Sales going close again on 63 minutes from the edge of the box, only for his strike to be deflected wide by a teammate. Just two minutes later, Chippa drew level when Mfecane – signed from Cape Town Spurs earlier this week – pounced to score on debut.

The visitors almost regained the lead on 70 minutes when Marcelo Allende’s backheel found Themba Zwane in the box, but Nwabali pulled off a fine save. Siyabonga Mabena also went close late on, firing into the side-netting in the 88th minute from a pinpoint Zwane pass.

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