WeeklySA_AdminWEEKEND WRAP: Sundowns reclaim the Premiership summit, Chiefs close the gap with a five-goal thriller, while wasteful Pirates return from Mauritius with their CAF tie still in the balance…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten starts to the Betway Premiership season at the weekend, while Orlando Pirates were frustrated in their opening CAF Champions League assignment in Mauritius.
Sundowns’ dramatic 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows moved them three points clear at the top of the domestic standings, although second-placed Pirates have played one match fewer.
Chiefs climbed to third after overcoming Siwelele 3-2 at Dobsonville Stadium, ensuring South Africa’s Big Three continue to occupy the Premiership’s leading positions.
Pirates, who surrendered top spot while on continental duty, were held to a goalless draw by Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first leg of their Champions League preliminary-round tie.
MOKOENA THUNDERBOLT RESCUES DOWNS
Sundowns required a spectacular late strike from Teboho Mokoena to subdue a resilient Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Siyanda Ndlovu gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute, finishing from an acute angle after Tashreeq Matthews delivered a low cross towards the far post.
The Brazilians controlled much of the contest but failed to extend their advantage, allowing Arrows to stay within touching distance.
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The home side’s persistence was rewarded in the 76th minute when Sede Junior Dion converted Phulani Kumalo’s delivery to level the scores.
With the match appearing destined for a draw, Mokoena produced the decisive moment two minutes from time.
An Arrows clearance dropped into the midfielder’s path outside the penalty area, and he unleashed a powerful curling shot that left goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa with little chance.
The 2-1 victory was Sundowns’ fourth consecutive league win and took Miguel Cardoso’s side to 16 points from six matches. They have scored 15 goals and conceded six during their unbeaten start.
Arrows, who had already troubled Sundowns during their two-legged MTN8 semi-final, suffered their first Premiership defeat of the season.
CHIEFS SURVIVE LATE SCARE
Chiefs strengthened their early title credentials with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Siwelele in Soweto.
Amakhosi dominated the opening exchanges and broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark through Mfundo Vilakazi.
After being released by Lebohang Maboe, Vilakazi spotted the Siwelele goalkeeper advancing from his line and calmly chipped the ball into the net.
Wandile Duba doubled the lead in the 65th minute when he reacted quickest to a flick-on from Mduduzi Shabalala’s corner.
Siwelele responded three minutes later through Aphiwe Baliti, whose deflected attempt brought the visitors back into the contest.
Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 77th minute through substitute Faiz Abrahams. The former Cape Town Spurs youngster marked his first goal for Amakhosi with a curling free-kick from a difficult angle.
Michel Nguessan struck for Siwelele in stoppage time, but his goal arrived too late to deny Fernando da Cruz’s side a third league victory.
Chiefs have now collected 11 points from five matches, registering three wins and two draws. They trail Pirates by two points and Sundowns by five, with all three sides yet to lose in the league.
The victory was also an important response after consecutive draws against Sundowns and Richards Bay had slowed Amakhosi’s early momentum.
PIRATES DRAW A BLANK IN MAURITIUS
Pirates were unable to translate their impressive domestic scoring form onto the continental stage as they drew 0-0 with La Cure Waves at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
The Buccaneers controlled possession and created the clearer opportunities, but the Mauritian champions defended stubbornly to keep the tie level.
Boitumelo Radiopane was presented with an early opening after breaking into the penalty area, but goalkeeper Ramdiane blocked his effort.
Oswin Appollis and Deon Hotto also tried their luck, while substitute Yanela Mbuthuma headed wide during the closing stages.
Pirates pressed with greater intensity after the break but could not find the clinical touch that had carried them to a 4-0 league victory over Kruger United in their previous match.
The stalemate leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in South Africa.
Pirates will remain favourites to advance, but their failure to score an away goal means La Cure Waves still have a route into the next round. A scoring draw in the return fixture could place the Buccaneers under severe pressure, depending on the competition’s tie-breaking regulations.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will nevertheless take encouragement from another clean sheet. Pirates have conceded only once in five Premiership matches and again looked secure defensively in Mauritius. CAF first-leg report
Sundowns and Chiefs were not involved in CAF competition over the weekend. The Brazilians played domestically, while Amakhosi received a bye into the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
GOALS DRY UP ELSEWHERE
While Sunday’s two Premiership matches produced eight goals, Saturday’s programme failed to produce a single one.
Chippa United and Milford FC played to a goalless draw at Buffalo City Stadium, leaving the Chilli Boys without a victory after five matches.
Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy also cancelled each other out in a 0-0 stalemate at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Friday’s KwaZulu-Natal derby delivered more excitement as AmaZulu edged Richards Bay 2-1.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya put Usuthu ahead in the 51st minute before Moses Mthembu equalised from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining.
Nkosikhona Radebe restored AmaZulu’s advantage just two minutes later, securing their third victory of the campaign and lifting them to fourth place with 10 points.
Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City shared the points in a 2-2 draw at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
The weekend ultimately belonged to Sundowns and Chiefs, but the early race remains tight. Pirates have a match in hand, Sundowns have taken temporary command of the summit and Amakhosi are refusing to lose touch.
