Sundowns Run Riot, Chiefs Held Again as Betway Premiership Produces Midweek Drama
The Betway Premiership delivered another action-packed night on Wednesday, with Mamelodi Sundowns flexing their attacking muscles while Kaizer Chiefs were forced to settle for a point in KwaZulu-Natal.
With four matches on the programme, there were goals, comebacks and another reminder that the early-season title race could be tightly contested.
Sundowns turn on the style against AmaZulu
Mamelodi Sundowns produced the performance of the night, beating AmaZulu 5-2 at Loftus Versfeld to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign.
The champions were ruthless once they found their rhythm, taking a 2-0 lead into the break before eventually scoring five.
Brayan León opened the scoring after good work involving Cassius Mailula, before Teboho Mokoena marked his return from injury with a stunning free-kick.
AmaZulu managed to get themselves back into the contest, but Sundowns’ attacking quality ultimately proved too much.
The result takes Sundowns to 10 points, level with Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.
However, coach Miguel Cardoso will not be completely satisfied. Conceding twice highlighted defensive weaknesses that Sundowns will need to address, particularly with their MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows approaching.
Chiefs twice come from behind against Richards Bay
Kaizer Chiefs continued to show fighting spirit but were unable to claim all three points after drawing 2-2 with Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Richards Bay took an early lead in unusual circumstances when Nqaba Xulu’s challenge caused Brandon Petersen’s attempted clearance to ricochet into the Chiefs goal.
Chiefs responded through Lebohang Maboe, who converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
Xulu then turned from opportunist to goalscorer, heading Richards Bay back in front before half-time.
Chiefs dominated for long periods after the break and eventually found their second equaliser through Siphesihle Ndlovu, whose powerful finish in the 77th minute rescued a point for Amakhosi.
The result leaves Chiefs frustrated once again as they continue their search for consistency under their new setup.
Golden Arrows edge Stellenbosch
Golden Arrows also picked up an important victory, defeating Stellenbosch 1-0.
The result gives Arrows another boost ahead of their crucial MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sundowns on Sunday, where they will defend their first-leg advantage.
Milford claim a valuable point
Milford FC also enjoyed a positive night, securing a 0-0 draw away to Polokwane City.
The result gives Milford another valuable boost as they look to establish themselves in the Premiership following their promotion.
Wednesday’s results
- Mamelodi Sundowns 5-2 AmaZulu
- Richards Bay 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs
- Golden Arrows 1-0 Stellenbosch
- Polokwane City 0-0 Milford FC
With Sundowns and Orlando Pirates now level on 10 points, and Chiefs among the clubs chasing the early leaders, the Betway Premiership is already beginning to take shape as an intriguing title race.
