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PRO PHILANI’S MZANSI WRAP: Sundowns top the table, mixed feelings in Soweto and more from the DStv Premiership!

Pro Philani looks back at the past weekend’s local football action as Sundowns consolidated their place atop the standings, there were mixed feelings in Soweto and more from the DStv Premiership!

Shalulile of Sundowns

Pro Philani looks back at the past weekend’s local football action as Sundowns consolidated their place atop the standings, there were mixed feelings in Soweto and more from the DStv Premiership!

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore

A dark weekend of football results in KZN

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Golden Arrows 2-1 at the Tuks stadium in Pretoria to return top of the DStv Premiership log standings. A penalty by leading goalscorer Peter Shalulile in the first half and an own-goal cancelled Pule Mmodi’s early second-half strike to give the Brazilians all three points.

The champions came into the match with yet another change in their line-up when midfielder Siphelele Mkhulise and Sipho Mbule were given the nod to start ahead of Neo Maema and Teboho Mokoena.

The match was clouded by many poorly taken set-plays, with Sundowns being the guilty party as all their corners and freekicks either went over everyone in the box or were easily cleared by defenders. Another interesting inclusion in the match was seeing Divine Lunga, on loan from Sundowns, playing against his parent club.

It will be recalled that players out on loan from Sundowns were prevented from playing against them but with Lunga, it seemed not to be the case. Arrows had few chances on the match but looked better structured and organized compared to their 6-0 drubbing last season at Loftus.

The coaching duo of Mabhuti Khanyeza & Vusumuzi Vilakazi have really worked wonders with Arrows’ young side and will soon turn the tide for the betterment of the team.

Maritzburg lose at the Harry Gwala on Friday night

Maritzburg United were beaten 2-1 by SuperSport United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night. Maritzburg had better chances in the first half but were let down by their poor finishing and decision-making, particularly striker Amadou Soukouna, who also had a one-on-one with a keeper but missed.

Chippa United upset AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida

AmaZulu were defeated 2-1 at home by a coachless Chippa United who recently parted ways with their coach, Daine Klate.

Morgan Mammila was tasked with the role of leading the team while chairman Siviwe Mpengesi was in search of a new coach and didn’t disappoint.

Mpengesi was quoted in the media as not being a fan of the type of football his side displayed under Klate.

AmaZulu’s inconsistencies will prove to be worrisome for head coach Brandon Truter as this defeat denied them an opportunity to go top of the log.

Chidi Kwem was shown a straight red card for his actions towards a Chippa United defender in stoppage time.

AmaZulu’s next match is against Sundowns and Truter will be hoping his Frontline will bring their scoring boots to Pretoria.

Mixed feelings in Soweto

Swallows were defeated 2-1 at home by Stellenbosc FC at the Bidvest Stadium.

Stellies opened the scoring through midfielder Junior Mendieta before a deflected Wandisile Letlabika freekick equalised for the Birds. Stellies were determined to leave Soweto with all the points and were duly rewarded with a winner to move away from the relegation zone.

Kaizer Chiefs’ poor away form continued in Rustenburg as they played to a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants. Gallants are another side to have parted ways with their head coach, Romain Folz, after a poor start in the season.

OPINION: Should Middendorp have been given more time at Chiefs?

Folz indicated in the media that there was interference in his work from management and that he would not continue to work in such an environment.

Gallants shrugged off all the off-the-field negativity and played their best football thus far this season. Ndlondlo was the orchestrator, dictating terms in midfield and his influence was evident when his through ball released Mahlatsi Makudubela for the opener.

Olivier Toure was shown a red card for a second bookable offence. The sending-off forced Gallants to defend deeper into their own half as Chiefs put them under more pressure in search of an equaliser. Sifiso Hlanti’s freekick found fellow defender Zitha Kwinika unmarked in the back post and the former Stellies captain made no mistake.

The goal was Chiefs’ first away goal in the league this season and it earned them their first point on the road. Gallants moved from the foot of the table to 15th whilst Chiefs remained 14th and pressure keeps pilling on coach Arthur Zwane.

NEWS: Kaizer Chiefs held by Marumo Gallants

Zakhele Lepasa scores a brace against Galaxy 

Orlando Pirates defeated TS Galaxy 2-0 eSigodini SikaMaminzela. Following criticism of his form and performance, Zakhele Lepasa rose to the occasion as his brace gave Amabhakaniya all the points to move into the second position on the log.

Malusi Buthelezi of TS Galaxy had a night he’d wish can be forgotten sooner rather than later as his horrible mistake led to Pirates’ second of the night. Buthelezi misjudged the flight of the ball and went under it as it flew into an empty net.

The Buccaneers will be going to the MTN 8 semi-final in full confidence as the new coach, Jose Riviera has restored the Happy People tag, Pirates were once known for.

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