Pirates win to keep pace with Sundowns

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Sep 29, 2024. 19:54

Orlando Pirates kept pace with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership after they claimed a hard-fought win in one of three matches played across South Africa’s top flight on Sunday 29 September.

Pirates had to show persistence and determination to break through a resilient Richards Bay at a wet and windy King Zwelithini Stadium, but a brilliant 82nd minute strike direct from a free kick by substitute Kabelo Dlamini was enough to secure a third straight league victory (and six in a row across all competitions).

The Buccaneers’ 1-0 win means they trail the Brazilians only on goal difference at the top of the Premiership standings, with predictions of a two-horse title race between the heavyweight clubs looking right on the money thus far.

At the same time that Pirates were winning in KwaZulu-Natal, Chippa United claimed a 2-1 home win over TS Galaxy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Chilli Boys’ second league victory of the season was secured by goals from Bienvenu Eva Nga and Ayabulela Konqobe – with an equaliser from the Rockets’ Dzenan Zajmovic in between.

Sunday’s final match was played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC drew 1-1.

Stellies claimed the lead via a magnificent goal from Lehlohonolo Mojela, but they were pegged back by Thabang Matuludi’s leveller for Rise and Shine and forced to settle for a point.

Saturday’s action was headlined by an away win for Sundowns at Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs; Sekhukhune United, Cape Town City and Marumo Gallants secured respective home victories over Golden Arrows, SuperSport United and AmaZulu; and Magesi FC were held 0-0 by Royal AM.

The Betway Premiership now goes into a recess of almost a month which will encompass next weekend’s MTN8 final, an international window and the start of the Carling Knockout cup competition.

Betway Premiership weekend results

Saturday 28 September

Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns

Sekhukhune United 2-0 Golden Arrows

Magesi FC 0-0 Royal AM

Cape Town City 1-0 SuperSport United

Marumo Gallants 1-0 AmaZulu FC

Sunday 29 September

Richards Bay 0-1 Orlando Pirates

Chippa United 2-1 TS Galaxy

Polokwane City 1-1 Stellenbosch FC