Sundowns go top, Chiefs surrender two points
11/30/2024 03:15 PM
Saturday's action in the Betway Premiership saw champions Mamelodi Sundowns rise to the top of the log with a win over Sekhukhune United, while Kaizer Chiefs threw away a two-goal advantage and were held at home by Royal AM.
Sundowns, who suffered a surprise loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final last weekend and then opened their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a goalless stalemate at home to AS Maniema Union, returned to winning form with a 3-0 triumph over Sekhukhune at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in one of two night matches.
An own goal from Tresor Yamba, a penalty converted by Arthur Sales and a late strike from Iqraam Rayners saw the Brazilians to a seventh win from eight league matches – and they therefore usurped league leaders Orlando Pirates (who will be in action on Sunday) on goal difference.
The other night game was played at the Buffalo City Stadium in the Eastern Cape, with Chippa United bringing league cup champions Magesi down to earth with a 2-0 triumph.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba netted a first-half brace for the Chilli Boys, who rose to third place on the log, while Dikwena tsa Meetse dropped to 14th spot – just one point above the relegation playoff zone.
In the early evening match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Chiefs looked on course for a comfortable win when they went 2-0 up inside 15 minutes courtesy of goals from Ashley Du Preez and Wandile Duba, only for Royal to hit back through Ayabulela Maxwele and Levy Mashiane in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw.
The Amakhosi have now won just once in their last five matches across all competitions, with coach Nasreddine Nabi starting to come under pressure from the club's demanding supporters.
The afternoon brought a KwaZulu-Natal derby between Richards Bay and AmaZulu FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with Usuthu triumphing 3-1 to rise out of the relegation zone and push the Natal Rich Boyz down to last place on the log.
Rowan Human, Etiosa Ighodaro and Ethan Brooks scored for AmaZulu as they racked up a second league win in succession.
On Friday night, SuperSport United saw their winless run extended to three matches when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Marumo Gallants. Edgar Manaka's early penalty decided the game at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The Betway Premiership continues on Sunday 1 December with Golden Arrows v Cape Town City, Orlando Pirates v Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City v TS Galaxy.
Betway Premiership weekend results
Friday 29 November
SuperSport United 0-1 Marumo Gallants
Saturday 30 November
Richards Bay 1-3 AmaZulu FC
Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 Royal AM
Chippa United 2-0 Magesi FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Sekhukhune United
