Pirates win clutch clash against ‘Downs, Chiefs stunned by Bay

A busy weekend of Betway Premiership action was headlined by Orlando Pirates defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a top-of-the-table clash, while Kaizer Chiefs’ up-and-down campaign continued with a surprise loss at the hands of Richards Bay.

Pirates defeated Sundowns on Sunday afternoon at the FNB Stadium thanks to an early brace of goals from Relebohile Mofokeng. The Brazilians pulled one back in the second half via Khuliso Mudau, but were unable to find a way back into the game.

The result sees the Buccaneers close the gap to the log leaders to 15 points, as well as avenge a 4-1 loss suffered at the hands of their opponents just over a month ago. With the Soweto side holding four games in hand, there is at least a glimmer of hope that a push for the title could still be on for the men in black and white.

At the same time, Chiefs suffered a third loss from their last five league outings when they were beaten 2-0 at Richards Bay. The Natal Rich Boys claimed a sixth league win of the season, and boosted their survival hopes, thanks to goals from Fezile Gcaba and Yanela Mbuthuma.

Sunday’s final clash saw Stellenbosch FC claim third place on the log with a 2-1 away win over Sekhukhune United. Lesiba Nku and Thato Kiba netted for the Cape side, as they returned to winning form.

The weekend’s action got going on Friday night in Durban, with TS Galaxy claiming a 2-1 away win over AmaZulu, thanks to goals from Dzenan Zajmovic and Kamogelo Sebelebele. The Rockets have now taken 10 points from the last 12 up for grabs and find themselves in fourth place on the log.

On Saturday, Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC both claimed key wins in their fight against relegation. Gallants beat Cape Town City (who are 10 without a win across all competitions and slipping ever closer to peril) 1-0 away thanks to Gabadinho Mhango’s early strike, while Magesi defeated Golden Arrows 1-0 at home courtesy of Lehlogonolo Mokone, to claim a third win from their last four league outings.

Saturday also saw Chippa United put a bit of breathing space between themselves and the relegation scrap but defeating Polokwane City 2-0 at home, with a strike from Azola Ntsabo and a late own goal from goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

The Betway Premiership will now go into recess for the March international window and return with a truncated slate of matches on the last weekend of the month.

Betway Premiership weekend results

Friday 14 March

AmaZulu FC 1-2 TS Galaxy

Saturday 15 March

Cape Town City 0-1 Marumo Gallants

Magesi FC 1-0 Golden Arrows

Chippa United 2-0 Polokwane City

Sunday 16 March

Orlando Pirates 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Richards Bay 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Sekhukhune United 1-2 Stellenbosch FC