Galaxy lose for the first time, Royal AM climb to the summit

Mfundo Thikazi of Royal AM celebrates goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Sekhukhune United and Royal AM at Peter Mokaba Stadium, in polokwane on the 03 September 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Sep 03, 2022. 22:47

TS Galaxy saw their unbeaten start to the season halted by Cape Town City on Saturday, while Royal AM reclaimed top spot in the DStv Premiership.

The day began with a five-goal thriller in Durban as Golden Arrows survived a spirited fightback from Chippa United to emerge 3-2 victors at the Princess Magogo Stadium.

Abafana Bes’thende raced into a three-goal lead given to them by Ntsikelelo Nxadi (18′), Nduduzo Sibiya (23′) and Pule Mmodi (41′) before Etiosa Ighodaro (62′) and Ronald Pfumbidzai (67′) replied for the Chilli Boys in the second half.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Richards Bay continued their impressive start to life in the top flight after they beat Stellenbosch 2-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium.

The two teams went into the break tied at 1-1, with Devon Titus (36′) having cancelled out Sanele Barns’ 30th-minute opener for the Natal Rich Boyz, who struck again through Ntsikelelo Nyauza on 75 minute to secure victory which took them to fifth spot, four points clear of Stellies down in 12th position.

Meanwhile, Royal AM returned to the top of the table following a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

A goal in each half from Mfundo Thikazi (9′, 55′) extended Thwihli Thwahla’s unbeaten run to three games, with Siyabulela Shai pulling one back for struggling Babina Noko at the death.

Dan Malesela’s side are two points clear of Usuthu and Orlando Pirates, having played one game more.

Kaizer Chiefs lost more ground on the early frontrunners after they played out to a goalless draw with title challengers AmaZulu at the FNB Stadium, while Cape Town City continued their resurgence with a 1-0 triumph over TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium.

Khanyisa Mayo’s 15th-minute goal proved the difference as the Citizens made it back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season to climb up to seventh spot, one point behind the sixth-placed Rockets, with Amakhosi all the way down in 11th.

Saturday’s results:

Golden Arrows 3-2 Chippa United

Stellenbosch 1-2 Richards Bay

Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 AmaZulu

Sekhukhune United 1-2 Royal AM

TS Galaxy 0-1 Cape Town City