Pro Philani looks back at the past weekend’s local football action as Chiefs move out of the relegation zone, Sundowns made to work of their win and more from the DStv Premiership!
Defending champions leave it late to beat resilient Usuthu!
A late Marcelo Allende strike broke AmaZulu’s resilience in the 90th minute at Loftus on Sunday. A match that certainly looked like a dull affair in terms of clear opportunities created summed up the poor levels we have witnessed thus far in the DStv Premiership.
Sundowns started yet another match with a different lineup; Grant Kekana started his first league match replacing Mothobi Mvala who had also replaced Brian Onyango in the previous two games.
Sifiso Ngobeni started his second game in a row replacing suspended Aubrey Modiba. Erwin Saavedra also made it for the first time after recovering from a series of injuries.
New signings Bongani Zungu and Terrence Mashego were on the bench for the first time in the star-studded Brazilians. In the first half, Themba Zwane went closest with his effort hitting the woodwork as the match went 0-0 at halftime.
To the disappointment of many, AmaZulu started the match with five defenders for the first time this season. In all their previous games, Usuthu had set up a 4-3-3 formation but changed to 5-3-1-1 against Sundowns.
Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena also mentioned it caught them by surprise to see this tactical change from AmaZulu. The packed defence from Usuthu was not going to resist all of Sundowns’ attacks until the end as Peter Shalulile had two clear-cut chances which he missed, whilst AmaZulu were denied by Ronwen Williams in the few chances they got in the second half.
AmaZulu will also feel aggrieved by the officials on the day as the referee failed to send off Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau for a second bookable offence.
Allende came in as a second-half substitute to net his second league goal, his third in all competitions. Sundowns stretched their lead at the top to five points and look set to set the pace before the World Cup break.
Poor goalkeeping, but Veli Mothwa is a soldier, he will definitely bounce back. pic.twitter.com/vvFns1G7Gh
— Banele Pikwa (@BanzaRP) September 19, 2022
Golden Arrows thrash Swallows
Golden Arrows were the highest scorers this weekend as they defeated Swallows FC 4-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu.
It was a Pule Mmodi and Nduduzo Sibiya show as both terrorised the Swallows’ defence. Sibiya opened the scoring from a penalty spot in the 13th minute before Pule Mmodi made it 2-0 a minute late to celebrate his Bafana call-up.
It was Mmodi’s fourth goal in four games, a good return for a player who was once taunted as a want-away player.
In the second half, Sibiya completed his brace before Nqobeko Dlamini scored the goal of the match to make it 4-0 for the home side.
This result pulled Swallows to 14th on the log, a place where they may be easily drawn to the relegation battle again.
Richards Bay were held into a goalless draw by TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi.
Royal AM defeated Mbabane Highlanders of Eswatini 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium to advance to the next stage of CAFCC.
Incase you missed it
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) September 19, 2022
Highlights of this weekends game against Swallows #sthendeway #greenandgold pic.twitter.com/9z7y6eiFi4
Abuyile Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs came from a goal down to defeat SuperSport United 2-1 at the FNB Stadium. Chiefs moved from 13th spot to 9th following their victory on 11 points, tied with four other sides including sixth-placed Arrows.
Caleb Bimeninyama scored his first brace for Chiefs and saluted the crowd at FNB with a “cross-bones” salute to the surprise of many who were watching. The striker defended himself and said it meant something totally different in his home country and by no means mean he doesn’t know the difference between Chiefs’ peace sign and rivals Pirates’ cross-bones signs.
Gavin Hunt was left short of words as his side missed a lot of golden opportunities in the first half before Chiefs dominated the second half.
Back to winning ways
— Soccerzela (@soccerzela) September 17, 2022
Kaizer Chiefs snap up a three match winless run in the DStv Premiership with a much needed victory. Arthur Zwane's faith in Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana paid off ⚽⚽pic.twitter.com/NusDk5tbn5
Chippa United win two in a row
Gallants remained the only winless side in the league as they lost 1-0 to Chippa United out in Gqeberha. New signing, on loan from Pirates, Ronaldo Maarman scored the only goal of the match for the Chilli Boys to give coach Morgan Mammila 2 wins in 2 games.
‘Mammila Ball’ as it is affectionately known on the social media pages has now moved Chippa to 8th on the log. Gallants, who had recently parted with their coach Romain Folz, remain bottom of the log and will look to find a new coach before if becomes increasingly difficult to catch up.
Chippa United coach Morgan Mammila said he told his players to play like English Premier League champions Manchester City before their 1-0 DStv Premiership win against Marumo Gallants game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. https://t.co/SdIFicOdsJ
— Daily Dispatch (@Dispatch_DD) September 18, 2022
