Brazilians one step closer, Soweto derby ends 1-1

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 03, 2024. 22:03

A full round of midweek action in South Africa’s DStv Premiership saw Mamelodi Sundowns move one step closer to the title, while the ‘original’ Soweto derby between Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Brazilians secured a 15th win from 19 unbeaten league matches this season when they edged Richards Bay 1-0 at home on Tuesday night, with Junior Mendieta striking deep in injury time to secure all three points.

Sundowns need only 17 points from a possible 33 in the remainder of the season to secure a record-extending seventh successive Premiership title – and that is assuming their nearest chasers, Stellenbosch FC, take a full haul of points between now and the end of the campaign.

Stellies, the surprise team pushing to be the ‘best of the rest’ behind ‘Downs, continued their excellent form with an away win over an ailing Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday thanks to Devon Titus’s lone goal, while Sekhukhune United saw their winning run halted at five league matches when they played to an entertaining 2-2 draw with Cape Town City (who have now gone seven without a win across all competitions).

Sekhukhune’s goals were both scored by the in-form Linda Mntambo, while the Citizens opened and closed the scoring via Ahshene Jody Lee and Heaven Sereets.

Tuesday also saw a goalless stalemate between AmaZulu and Polokwane City, while Wednesday’s headline result was a 1-1 draw between Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates at a wet Dobsonville Stadium.

The Birds claimed a first-half lead via Lindokuhle Mtshali, before the Buccaneers levelled through Patrick Maswanganyi early in the second stanza to earn a share of the spoils. Yet the away side produced more than enough chances and attacking pressure to merit a second goal, but were unable to find the net again – with their frustration compounded by a late red card for defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Swallows, meanwhile, broke a five-game losing streak at home and have opened a comfortable nine-point buffer above the relegation playoff zone.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Golden Arrows fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with SuperSport United, as late goals from Lungelo Nguse and Gladwin Shitolo cancelled out first-half strikes from Ime Okon and Terrrence Dzvukamanja.

Chippa United scored an important 2-0 home win over Cape Town Spurs (thanks to goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Kayden Francis) to keep the Urban Warriors stuck in last place on the log, while TS Galaxy turned on the style to thump Royal AM 3-0 with strikes from Samir Nurkovic, Lehlohonolo Mojela and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

The DStv Premiership will continue this coming weekend with a full round of fixtures on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.

DStv Premiership midweek results

Tuesday 2 April

AmaZulu FC 0-0 Polokwane City

Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch FC

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Richards Bay

Sekhukhune United 2-2 Cape Town City

Wednesday 3 April

Golden Arrows 2-2 SuperSport United

Chippa United 2-0 Cape Town Spurs

TS Galaxy 3-0 Royal AM

Moroka Swallows 1-1 Orlando Pirates