By Levy Masiteng
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their impressive start to the Betway Premiership season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Richards Bay, while Orlando Pirates strengthened their title challenge with a 3-0 win against TS Galaxy on Tuesday night.
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium, extending their run of draws to five in their last six league matches.
The three fixtures formed part of Matchday 8 of the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, as South Africa’s leading clubs returned to domestic league action following the international break.
Sundowns overpower Richards Bay
Sundowns produced an emphatic performance against Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban, scoring four goals to maintain their position at the top of the league standings.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Iqraam Rayners doubled the lead in the 36th minute.
Rayners struck again shortly after the restart, completing his brace in the 49th minute as the defending champions continued to dominate.
Richards Bay responded through Mabuya in the 22nd minute, but Fawaaz Basadien restored Sundowns’ three-goal advantage with a 60th-minute strike to seal the 4-1 victory.
The result moved Sundowns to 23 points, keeping them ahead of Pirates in the early-season title race.
Sundowns will next turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, where they are scheduled to face Angola’s Wiliete SC on Sunday.
Pirates keep the pressure on Sundowns
Orlando Pirates maintained their strong league form with a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The Buccaneers made their intentions clear early in the match, with Boitumelo Radiopane opening the scoring in the 18th minute.
Tshepang Moremi extended Pirates’ advantage in the 50th minute before Simphiwe Masilela added the third goal in the 76th minute to complete a comfortable home victory.
The win marked Pirates’ sixth consecutive league victory and lifted them to 22 points from eight matches, leaving them just one point behind Sundowns.
The result keeps the pressure firmly on the league leaders as the two sides continue to compete for early-season supremacy.
Pirates will return to continental action on Saturday when they face African Stars in the CAF Champions League.
Chiefs held again as Shabalala rescues a point
Kaizer Chiefs were unable to turn their home advantage into maximum points after drawing 1-1 against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Stellenbosch took the lead through Sinoxolo Kwayiba in the 47th minute, putting pressure on the hosts after the break.
Chiefs responded through Mduduzi Shabalala, who found the equaliser in the 57th minute to prevent the home side from suffering a defeat.
However, the draw extended Chiefs’ frustrating league run, with the club recording five draws in their last six Premiership matches.
The result highlighted the challenge facing Amakhosi as they look to convert competitive performances into victories and remain in contention near the top of the standings.
Chiefs’ next assignment will be in the CAF Confederation Cup, with an away fixture against Zambia’s Red Arrows scheduled for Saturday.
