Mamelodi Sundowns are at the top of the Betway Premiership standings heading into the FIFA international window, just one point ahead of defending champions Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand. A total of seven league matches were played over the weekend, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers, with players looking to gain form and impress new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.
In weekend action, AmaZulu secured a 1-0 win over Polokwane City, marking their fifth league victory over their opponents and third consecutive league win. The result moved Arthur Zwane's side to 16 points, level with second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played one game fewer. AmaZulu have scored in each of their first seven league matches of the season for the first time since the 2013/14 campaign.
Stellenbosch extended their unbeaten run against newly promoted sides to five matches after beating Kruger United 1-0. This was the first league meeting between the two sides, with Stellenbosch recording their first away victory of the season. Kruger United have now lost all four of their home matches this campaign and are the only team yet to pick up a point on home soil this season.
Sekhukhune United secured their first away victory against Richards Bay, winning 3-2 in the highest-scoring encounter between the two teams. The result marked Sekhukhune's fourth victory in nine league meetings with Richards Bay. Ba Bina Noko have now recorded at least one win against Richards Bay in four of the five seasons in which the teams have met.
On Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows played to a goalless draw, with Lebohang Maboe's 33rd-minute penalty saved by Thakasani Mbanjwa. The result was the 51st PSL-era league meeting between the two sides. Chippa United moved up to sixth place on the log after securing a 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy, who dropped to 12th.
Orlando Pirates continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, moving the Buccaneers onto 19 points, one behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with Pirates having a game in hand. Pirates are now unbeaten in their last 20 league matches, recording 15 wins and five draws during that run. The victory was also their fifth in succession, with the team keeping clean sheets in their last five matches.
Following their win, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his side, describing them as a "points machine" after recording their sixth victory in seven Betway Premiership matches. Mamelodi Sundowns will look to maintain their lead when the league resumes after the FIFA international window, while Orlando Pirates will aim to close the gap at the top of the standings.
Key points
- Mamelodi Sundowns lead the Betway Premiership by one point over Orlando Pirates.
