Pirates stay top after Sundowns suffer first loss

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Mamelodi Sundowns tasted defeat for the first time in the Betway Premiership this season after they were beaten 1-0 by Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Bulelani Nikani’s 82nd-minute goal handed Bafana ba Style only their third loss in 49 months as Rise And Shine climbed up to fourth in the standings, level with Chippa United (3rd) on 10 points.

In the other match taking place at the same time, Cape Town City had to settle for the share of the spoils after being held to a 0-0 draw by Magesi at Athlone Stadium.

The weekend’s action kicked off on Friday evening as Orlando Pirates beat embattled AamZulu 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium to reclaim pole position.

A first-half brace from Mohau Nkota extended the Buccaneers’ perfect record in 2024-25 and took them three points clear of second-placed Sundowns. Hendrik Ekstein pulled one back at the death but it proved too little, too late for Usuthu, who are stuck in the basement following a fourth straight loss.

There were five matches played across the country on Saturday, headlined by a revenge victory for SuperSport United over Kaizer Chiefs.

Matsatsantsa, who had lost their last three matches across all competitions and were trounced 4-0 by Chiefs in the Carling Knockout last weekend, defeated the Soweto giants 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the lone early-evening kick-off, with Tashreeq Morris striking late in the first half.

It was Amakhosi’s second defeat in four league matches this season and saw them drop to ninth place on the log – with SuperSport rising to eighth.

The late match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium saw Chippa United outclass Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, courtesy of goals from Siphelo Baloni and Andile Jali, to rise to third place on the log.

In the afternoon matches, Royal AM claimed a first win of the season when they defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium, courtesy of goals from Ayanda Jiyane and Motebang Sera.

Ten-man Marumo Gallants held TS Galaxy 1-1 at the Dr Molemela Stadium. Edgar Manaka was sent off for the hosts late in the first half, and Samukelo Kabini put the Rockets on course for a first league win, but Bahlabane Ba Ntwa struck back via Xola Mlambo to secure a share of the spoils and ensure they remained clear of the relegation zone.

And at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Richards Bay and Stellenbosch FC played out a 0-0 draw. The Maroons ended the game with 10 men, following a late red card for Jayden Adams.

Betway Premiership matchday 5 results:

Friday, October 25

Orlando Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu

Saturday, October 26

Richards Bay 0-0 Stellenbosch

Marumo Gallants 1-1 TS Galaxy

Royal AM 2-0 Sekhukhune United

SuperSport United 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Chippa United 2-0 Golden Arrows

Sunday, October 27

Cape Town City 0-0 Magesi

Polokwane City 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns