The pressure of winning games in hand on Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns had a negative impact on Orlando Pirates who fell by a 2-0 score to Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
Malawi national team star poacher Gabadinho Mhango came back to bite his former club by opening the scoring before a Thalente Mbatha own goal doomed the Bucs to a devastating defeat in their pursuit of Sundowns. The veteran goal scorer was in the right place to smash in from close range after Pirates center back Nkosinathi Sibisi failed to clear a lofted free kick into the penalty area.
Gallants confirmed an opportunistic victory in the 74th minute. A quick break left the Pirates defense exposed and Masindi Nemtajela's cross attempt took a rapid ricochet off Mbatha leaving Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with no chance.
Over at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga Province, TS Galaxy returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home victory over Golden Arrows. Keagan scored his first Betway Premiership goal since his Kaizer Chiefs days during the 2022-23 campaign, firing in a low effort from distance in the opening quarter hour.
It was a productive day for relegation fighters as Magesi FC joined Gallants in achieving victory, defeating SuperSport United 1-0 at home. A focused effort from Owen da Gama's side was rewarded with Mcedi Vandala's second half penalty kick making the difference. Magesi remain in the relegation playoff spot but are now within reach of three teams who are ahead including SuperSport, Richards Bay and Gallants.
Richards Bay host Chippa United in the final match of the day on Saturday. In the lone match on Sunday, AmaZulu host Cape Town City in Durban.
League Table (Top-6)
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 20 | 54 |
Orlando Pirates | 16 | 36 |
Sekhukhune United | 19 | 31 |
Polokwane City | 20 | 31 |
Stellenbosch | 18 | 28 |
TS Galaxy | 20 | 28 |
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