Western Cape sides secure key wins

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday May 17, 2025. 17:40

Western Cape sides Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City each secured key wins on a busy Saturday afternoon in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.

Stellenbosch defeated SuperSport United 2-1, with goals from Sanele Barns (15’) and Devin Titus (27’), to reclaim third place on the log from Sekhukhune United, who could only draw 1-1 at home to Kaizer Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Stellies got as far as the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup this season, and this victory put themselves in a strong position to finish the campaign in third place and return to the continental competition in 2025-26.

The draw between Babina Noko and the Amakhosi (with goals from Ngoanamello Rammala [4’] and Glody Lilepo [45+2’]) did little to help either team in their ambitions.

Sekhkhune lost third place to Stellenbosch, while Chiefs extended their winless run to eight matches in the league and remained in ninth place – with goal difference keeping them off the pace needed to secure a spot in next season’s MTN8.

Chippa United remained in eighth place thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Seun Ndlovu, as they held Marumo Gallants 1-1 at the Dr Molemela Stadium.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa looked set to seize the initiative in the top eight race after they led for the better part of 50 minutes via Sekela Sithole [41’], but the Chilli Boys were able to strike late in their final league match of the campaign.

At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Cape Town City broke a 15-game winless run by defeating Polokwane City 2-0, with goals from Darwin Gonzalez (18’) and Jaedin Rhodes (50’).

Though the Citizens remain in 15th place – the relegation playoff berth – they now trail SuperSport only on goal difference, and could yet drag themselves out of trouble.

And that will be at either the expense of SuperSport or possibly Golden Arrows, who could only draw 0-0 away to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium – leaving Abafana Bes’thende just one point above the red zone.

Finally, at the Orlando Stadium, TS Galaxy ensured that Orlando Pirates’ first game in the post-Jose Riveiro era did not end in victory.

The Buccaneers led via Bandile Shandu’s 64th minute strike, but the Rockets levelled in injury time via Mpho Mvelase to salvage a 1-1 draw.

The weekend’s Betway Premiership action will be completed on Sunday, 18 May, with champions Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Magesi FC at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Betway Premiership results, Saturday 17 May

Marumo Gallants 1-1 Chippa United

Orlando Pirates 1-1 TS Galaxy

Polokwane City 0-2 Cape Town City

Richards Bay 0-0 Golden Arrows

Sekhukhune United 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Stellenbosch FC 2-1 SuperSport United