Brazilians back on top, but Bay breathing down their neck

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Oct 19, 2022. 22:04

DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns continue to lead the way at the top of the log after a drama-filled round of midweek action, but rookies Richards Bay are breathing down their neck.

The Brazilians had to work hard for a 1-0 home triumph over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, with Sphelele Mkhulise’s first-half strike and a fine rearguard action late in the game ensuring that they ended the round in first place, while Bahlabane Ba Ntwa remained at the foot of the table.

Bay found themselves level on points with ‘Downs (but trailing on goal difference) after a dramatic 1-0 home win over Cape Town City in which a late own goal from Lyle Lakay secured victory – as the Natal Rich Boyz continued their incredible defensive solidity. They are now up to nine clean sheets from 12 matches and have shipped just three goals!

Also grabbing headlines was Kaizer Chiefs’ Keagan Dolly, who scored a sublime late goal to ensure his side salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to TS Galaxy, while Swallows FC snapped a five-game winless streak in the league thanks to a 2-0 home victory over Royal AM. The Birds’ goals came either side of half time via Gregory Damons and Mwape Musonda, while Thwihli Thwahla have now suffered a hat-trick of defeats.

Wednesday opened with a 1-1 draw in the KwaZulu-Natal derby between AmaZulu and Maritzburg United, with respective goals from Gabadinho Mhango and Friday Samu. Usuthu have gone seven league matches without a victory, while the Team of Choice’s win drought is up to four games.

Tuesday’s results saw SuperSport United rise temporarily to the top of the log, as they claimed a third straight win by defeating hosts Stellenbosch FC 2-0 at the Danie Craven Stadium. Matsatsantsa triumphed thanks to goals from Jamie Webber and Bradley Grobler.

At the same time, Chippa United continued their hot streak with a fourth straight victory, edging Sekhukhune United 1-0 at the Chatsworth Stadium thanks to Etiosa Ighodaro’s 27th-minute strike.

Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, eased the pressure that had been building after a run of poor results by defeating Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium, as Monnapule Saleng scored a brace of goals in the first half – his first in the black and white of the Buccaneers.

The DStv Premiership will resume with four catch-up fixtures next midweek, October 25 and 26, with Royal AM v Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United v Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town City v Chippa United and Marumo Gallants v AmaZulu.

DStv Premiership midweek results

Tuesday 18 October

Chippa United 1-0 Sekhukhune United

Stellenbosch FC 0-2 SuperSport United

Golden Arrows 0-2 Orlando Pirates

Wednesday 19 October

AmaZulu 1-1 Maritzburg United

Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 TS Galaxy

Swallows FC 2-0 Royal AM

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Marumo Gallants

Richards Bay 1-0 Cape Town City