Pirates march on, Gallants stumble

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ORLANDO Pirates strengthened their position at the summit of the Betway Premiership while TS Galaxy produced the evening’s most dramatic comeback and Durban City celebrated their first victory of the campaign.

At the Orlando Amstel Arena, defending champions Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 2–0 to move to 10 points from four matches.

Boitumelo Radiopane opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage in the 63rd.

The result keeps the Buccaneers unbeaten and gives them an early three-point cushion over Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu, although those rivals have played fewer matches.

For Sekhukhune, the defeat leaves them on six points and emphasises the need for a quick response if they are to remain in contention near the top.

The night’s biggest thriller came at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, where TS Galaxy edged Marumo Gallants 3–2.

Victor Letsoalo struck twice, including a penalty, while Sedwyn George added Galaxy’s other goal.

Marumo replied through Mphakamiseni Ndlovu and Olwethu Moletshe.

Galaxy’s victory lifted them to eight place with five points, only two behind second-placed Chiefs, offering encouragement for a possible push towards the upper reaches.

Gallants, meanwhile, remain bottom with just one point from four matches, making their next fixtures increasingly important.

At the Free State Toyota Stadium, Siwelele and Chippa United shared a 1–1 draw.

Chippa took the lead through Andile Matrose in the 53rd minute, but Yandisa Mfolozi rescued a point for the hosts with a 76th-minute equaliser.

The draw leaves Siwelele 14th on two points, while Chippa sit 12th with three.

Both clubs need victories soon to avoid being dragged into an early relegation battle.

Durban City finally tasted victory, beating Kruger United 2–0 at Mbombela Stadium.

Junior Lwamba struck after eight minutes and Gaston Sirino added the second in the 51st minute.

The three points move City to five points, while Kruger remain 16th with one.

Tonight, brings another four-match programme: Golden Arrows host Stellenbosch at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium; Mamelodi Sundowns welcome AmaZulu to Loftus Versfeld; Polokwane City face Milford at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium; and Richards Bay meet Kaizer Chiefs at Princess Magogo Stadium.

All four kick off at 19:30.

– CAJ News