Sekhukhune United continue to lead the way in the Betway Premiership after a busy midweek of action which also saw champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffer their first league defeat of the season.
Sekhukhune are the only unbeaten team and enjoy a two-point lead at the top of the log over nearest chasers Sundowns, though they needed more heroics from veteran striker Bradley Grobler to draw 1-1 with strugglers Chippa United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in one of five evening matches on Wednesday.
The Chilli Boys looked on course to hand Babina Noko a first loss in the Premiership this season thanks to Boy Madingwane’s 53rd minute opener, but Grobler struck back from the penalty spot with just over 10 minutes to play. The 37-year-old then had the chance to win the game with another penalty in injury time, but failed to hit the back of the net.
At the same time, Orbit College and Richards Bay claimed 1-0 home wins over Polokwane City and Magesi FC respectively, while TS Galaxy continue their fine form and rose to fourth place on the log with a 3-1 triumph over AmaZulu FC at the Mbombela Stadium – inspired by a superb opening goal from Seluleko Mahlambi – and Stellenbosch FC continue to underwhelm after they could only draw 0-0 at home to Durban City, leaving the Winelands club (who at least snapped a four-game losing streak) only above the relegation playoff zone on goal difference.
In the afternoon, Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with Sede Dion Junior scoring on the half-hour mark to hand Abafana Bes’thende their first win over the Brazilians in almost six years.
Another hit to a heavyweight came in the late afternoon kick-off at the FNB Stadium, where Kaizer Chiefs were held 1-1 by Marumo Gallants. The Amakhosi claimed the lead via debutant Khanyisa Mayo late in the first half, but were made to pay for a missed penalty from Gaston Sirino shortly thereafter when Jaisen Clifford levelled for Bahlabane ba Ntwa with a quarter hour of regulation time remaining.
Tuesday’s lone match saw Orlando Pirates rack up a fourth successive league win (and seventh across all competitions) when they defeated Siwelele FC 1-0 at the Free State Stadium, thanks to an 80th minute strike from Oswin Appollis.
The Premiership continues with a truncated round this coming weekend (with Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates v TS Galaxy postponed due to CAF club preliminaries), headlined by a derby between Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP MIDWEEK RESULTS
Tuesday 23 September
Siwelele FC 0-1 Orlando Pirates
Wednesday 24 September
Golden Arrows 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Marumo Gallants
Orbit College 1-0 Polokwane City
Richards Bay 1-0 Magesi FC
Sekhukhune United 1-1 Chippa United
Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Durban City
TS Galaxy 3-1 AmaZulu FC