A full round of midweek action in the Betway Premiership saw leaders Mamelodi Sundowns slip in the title race to open the door for Orlando Pirates, while Orbit College claimed a key win to boost their hopes of top-flight survival.
Second-placed Pirates laid down the gauntlet on Tuesday when they defeated Stellenbosch FC 2-0 at the Danie Craven Stadium, as goals late in the first half from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi took them to within two points of Sundowns at the top of the table.
And the Brazilians were unable to respond in kind on Wednesday when they were held 1-1 by Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Amakhosi claimed the lead in the first half via Flavio Da Silva, while the hosts levelled early after the restart through Brayan Leon, but were unable to complete a comeback after being reduced to 10 men when Jayden Adams was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The Buccaneers are three points behind ‘Downs, but have a game in hand and a significantly better goal difference – meaning three wins from their remaining trio of league fixtures will very likely bring them a first title since 2012. The Amakhosi, meanwhile, remained in third place and comfortably on course to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Wednesday started with an afternoon clash at the Buffalo City Stadium, as Sekhukhune United defeated host Chippa United 3-1 in a rescheduled match (postponed from Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch) thanks to first-half strikes from Tshepo Mashiloane, Olerato Mandi and Bright Ndlovu.
That result saw Babina Noko claim fourth place from AmaZulu FC on goal difference, but Usuthu reclaimed the position in the evening with a 1-1 draw against derby rivals Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
AmaZulu led for most of the game via Sandile Mthethwa, but Abafana Bes’thende snatched a last-gasp equaliser, scored by Jerome Karelse five minutes into injury time.
Tuesday, aside from Pirates’ win over Stellies, also saw Orbit College rise off the foot of the table with a 2-1 away win over Magesi FC at the Seshego Stadium – courtesy of first-half strikes from Lucky Malatsi and Gomolemo Khoto – while Siwelele FC and new Nedbank Cup champions Durban City shared a 2-2 thriller at the Dr Molemela Stadium.
#BetwayPrem – RESULTS:
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 6, 2026
Tonight’s action ends all square as the spoils are shared across all fixtures, with no side able to find a winner. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/19ihEo6RAp
City’s Jean Lwamba started and finished the scoring in the match, with Siwelele levelling and taking the lead via Bohale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu respectively.
Orbit’s result was given even more weight 24 hours later when Marumo Gallants drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy, as Ndabiyethethwa Ndlondlo’s penalty was cancelled out by Seluleko Mahlambi.
As a result, Magesi dropped to the bottom of the log, Marumo occupy the relegation playoff berth, and the Mswenko Boys are in the safety of 14th. The Rockets, meanwhile, continued their miserable run: last weekend’s Nedbank Cup final defeat was followed by a 12th winless league game in a row.
The Betway Premiership continues this coming weekend with a full round of matches, headlined by Sundowns hosting Siwelele, and Pirates visiting Magesi.
Betway Premiership midweek results
Tuesday 5 May
Magesi FC 2-1 Orbit College
Siwelele FC 2-2 Durban City
Stellenbosch FC 0-2 Orlando Pirates
Wednesday 6 May
Chippa United 1-3 Sekhukhune United
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs
AmaZulu FC 1-1 Golden Arrows
Marumo Gallants 1-1 TS Galaxy
Richards Bay 0-0 Polokwane City