‘Downs bounce back in style, Marumo rise off foot of the table

Haashim Domingo of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns at Harry Gwala Stadium, in Durban on the 25 October 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Oct 26, 2022. 21:37

Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back in style to headline a quartet of midweek catch-up matches in South Africa’s DStv Premiership, while Marumo Gallants rose from the foot of the table with a draw at home to AmaZulu.

Sundowns came into their clash away to Maritzburg United on Tuesday night on the back of a chastening 3-0 loss at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the MTN8, and they duly took out their frustrations on the Team of Choice, as Haashim Domingo (two), Thapelo Morena and Cassius Mailula (two) shared the goals in a 5-0 win at Harry Gwala Stadium.

The result took the Brazilians three points clear of nearest chasers Richards Bay at the head of the table – and the defending champions have played one game less than most of the chasing pack.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Cape Town City came from a goal down to defeat Chippa United 2-1 at home, with strikes from Khanyisa Mayo and Thamsanqa Mkhize (ending the Chilli Boys’ hot streak of four straight wins), while Royal AM defeated Durban rivals Golden Arrows 3-1 thanks to Lesvin Stoffels, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Motebang Sera, breaking a three-game losing run in the process.

Wednesday’s lone game saw Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu play out a 0-0 draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The result means Bahlabane ba Ntwa have drawn nine straight home games in the Premiership (a run which stretches back to last season) and have still managed just one win in 2022-23, though the point earned was enough to lift them off the foot of the table on goal difference – with Sekhukhune United dropping into 16th place.

Usuthu, meanwhile, have gone nine matches without a win across all competitions. They are placed eighth on the log on 14 points – just four clear of Gallants and Sekhukhune.

The DStv Premiership will have its final pre-World Cup round of fixtures this coming weekend, 28-30 October, headlined by the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

DStv Premiership midweek results

Tuesday 25 October

Royal AM 3-1 Golden Arrows

Maritzburg United 0-5 Mamelodi Sundowns

Cape Town City 2-1 Chippa United

Wednesday 26 October

Marumo Gallants 0-0 AmaZulu