The first block of midweek Betway Premiership matches for the 2024-25 season saw both reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns and title rivals Orlando Pirates open their campaigns with home victories.
Sundowns, whose domestic season got off to a shaky start with elimination in the MTN8 at the hands of Stellenbosch FC, showed that they remain favourites to claim the league title after a 2-0 home win over Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld in Tuesday’s lone match.
The Brazilians triumphed on the back of goals midway through the second half from new signings Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Riberio.
In Wednesday’s headline game, Pirates – the team many consider the best placed to dethrone Sundowns – claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium.
Former Buccaneers star Andile Jali put the Chilli Boys ahead midway through the first half, but Tshegofatso Magasa brought the hosts level with a penalty in injury time before the interval.
The match seemed destined to end in a 1-1 draw, but Monnapule Saleng netted in the second minute of injury time at the end of the match to secure all three points for the Soweto giants.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Sekhukhune United defeated Limpopo rivals and newly-promoted Magesi FC 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium thanks to a debut goal from Andy Boyeli, while Golden Arrows secured a surprise 2-0 away win over Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium.
Siyanda Mthanti and Lungeo Nguse found the back of the net in the second half for Abafana Bes’thende.
The Betway Premiership continues on the weekend, with four matches on Saturday 21 September: Golden Arrows v Marumo Gallants, Magesi FC v Polokwane City, SuperSport United v Royal AM, and Chippa United v Richards Bay.
Betway Premiership midweek results
Tuesday 17 September
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 SuperSport United
Wednesday 18 September
Orlando Pirates 1-2 Chippa United
Stellenbosch FC 0-2 Golden Arrows
Sekhukhune United 1-0 Magesi FC