Pro Philani looks back at the past weekend's local football as the pressure is ramped up on Ernst Middendorp, Sundowns stumble in Angola and more!
Derby defeat for Middendorp
Caretaker coach of AmaZulu, Brandon Truter, made it two out two in the DStv Premiership when his side defeated rivals Maritzburg United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Maritzburg dominated possession for the better part of the game but AmaZulu looked more dangerous in transition. It was that transition that paid off when Maritzburg defender Nicholus Lukhubeni found the back of his own net in the first half to give Usuthu the lead.
Maritzburg made four subs at the beginning of the second half to try and turn the tie around but it was not meant to be as Usuthu held on tightly to the lead to remain in the top 8.
AmaZulu make it back-to-back wins in the #DStvPrem thanks to an unlucky own goal from Nicholus Lukhubeni 🟩 pic.twitter.com/jRAQX5p8c6
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 16, 2022
SuperSport humble Chiefs
SuperSport began a new era under caretaker coach Andre Arendse as they humbled Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium to extend their record as the side to have beaten AmaKhosi the most in the league [20].
SuperSport were buoyed by the return of leading marksman, Thamsanqa Gabuza, up front who made no mistake to fire up Matsantsatsa into a lead in the second half.
Chiefs had their own share of opportunities with leading man Khama Billiat involved in every attack. Despite all the possession and the numerous attacks, Chiefs were unable to break down SuperSport’s makeshift defense.
Chiefs now face an uphill battle to chase leaders Sundowns at the top who now need 4 points to win the league from 5 games still to play.
“I’ll walk myself if I think I’m not effecting the team in a positive way. I’m the only coach who has given this club any success in the last 20 years” ~ Baxter responding to calls for his exit. pic.twitter.com/amwxlsxQ0r
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) April 16, 2022
Best of the rest from the DStv Premiership
Cape Town City were held at home, 1-1, by in-form Royal AM at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Royal AM opened the scoring through Mxolisi Macuphu who turned a defender in the box and fired a low shot to open the scoring. In the second half, City pressure piled up when a Craig Martin’s cross was deflected into his own net by defender Zukile Mkhize. AM remained second on the log, while City remained thord with a game in hand.
Chippa United registered their first home win of the season thanks to a second-half strike from substitute, Sammy Seabi. Chippa held on to leapfrog Maritzburg and moved to 12th on the log. Stellenbosch had their own fair share of the chances in the chances and they didn’t capitalize on them as they missed out on an opportunity to move up the table.
Swallows FC played to a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants. Swallows are now lying in the promotion/relegation play-off spot in the league.
Sammy Seabi gets on the scoresheet as Chippa take all three points in their #DStvPrem tie against Stellenbosch.
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 17, 2022
FT 1-0. pic.twitter.com/MevNfFaS05
Glad Africa Championship
Richards Bay returned to the top of the log, on goal difference when they defeated Platinum City Rovers 5-1. In their previous encounter against Tuks, the Rich Boys succumbed to a 1-0 defeat which propelled Tuks to the top of the table before weekend encounters.
Tuks went to Cape Town needing all three points to maintain a healthy gap at the top but Cape Town All Stars held out to secure a 1-1 draw.
Both Richards Bay and Tuks are tied on 46 points with 4 games to go.
Final run for the automatic promotion battle.
Richard Bay’s last four games: Hungry Lions (H), Uthongathi (H), TS Sporting (A), CT Spurs (H).
Tuks’ last four games: JDR Stars (H), Venda FA (H), CT Spurs (A), Hungry Lions (H).
Sakhile Hlongwa of Richards Bay FC is the third player to score a hat-trick in the #GladAfricaChampionship this season #ThamiSoccer pic.twitter.com/T7dPdsdgmT
— ThamiSoccer (@ThamiSoccer) April 17, 2022
Sundowns’ continental hopes hanging in the balance
Sundowns were brought down to earth after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat in Angola. Masandawana went ahead in the 6th minute thanks to a Lyle Lakay free kick. The hosts responded aggressively and were duly rewarded with two goals before going into the half time break. The host had two penalty shouts which were both overruled by VAR but were later favored when what seemed like a late Sundowns equalizer was canceled by a foul spotted earlier by the VAR official.
Pirates went down 1-0 in Tanzania against Simba SC in the CAFCC quarterfinal.
The second legs of these fixtures will be played in South Africa on the weekend of 23rd and 24th of April.
Dear @Masandawana
— Javas Nkambule (@javasnkambule) April 17, 2022
You must have raised the bar so high that the desire to win an away match is the same as winning your home matches, I just want to quickly re-affirm that my confidence in you has not gone any degree less because I know what you can do.👆
Regards
Javas pic.twitter.com/Q4on5os2h1
