The DSTV Premiership reached its halfway mark with action from match week 15 this past weekend. Pro Philani dissects the twists and surprise outcomes.
Masandawana Go 10 Clear!
Mamelodi Sundowns stretched their lead at the top to 10 points following their hard-fought 2-0 victory over Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini stadium in uMlazi.
Rhulani Mokwena’s men were brilliant in their ball retention rate, high turnovers, as well as forcing the Natal Rich Boys to play backwards in many instances of the first half. The tactic was duly rewarded when in-form man Cassius Mailula netted the opener.
The hosts came back stronger in the second half, and the only surviving co-coaches led side showed intent by introducing Yonela Mbuthuma who came close to equalize from a Luvuyo Memela free kick.
Mbuthuma was once again in the thick of things when he was fouled inside the box by Mothobi Mvala but referee Ndzandzeka waved play on.
Both Williams and Magoola came into this match having kept 10 clean sheets in 14 matches. Magoola was again under pressure when he gave away possession to allow Sundowns’ Hashim Domingo to get the second of the night.
Sundowns are simply too good 🤩
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 6, 2023
Cassius Mailula won’t stop scoring 👏
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL@McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/ATelvUQc9s
Dark Cloud continues to hang over Soweto giants
Orlando Pirates suffered their third successive defeat this time at the hands of Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium.
Prior to this match, Pirates has not won in Cape Town since the establishment of Cape Town City. Their best results have been a series of draws surrounded by two prior defeats.
Pirates’ biggest Achilles heel has been their lack of goals in the second half of the campaign. In their 15 league games, the Sea Robbers are yet to find the net, and have surprisingly only scored 10 goals while conceding 12.
The defeat to City pushed the Buccaneers to 8th on the log, whilst the Citizens moved above them to 7th.
Cape Town City have overtaken Orlando Pirates on the log after beating them 2-1 at DHL Stadium on Saturday. https://t.co/ivjlAjthQD pic.twitter.com/oQVTObwAci
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) January 7, 2023
Still in Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Sekhukhune United on the day of their birthday celebrations on Saturday.
Vusi Mncube capitalized on Chiefs’ sloppy defence and passed the ball through an empty net to ensure Sekhukhune moved to 11th and away from the danger zone.
This was Chiefs’ 5th defeat this season and it has not made things easier for coach Arthur Zwane as fans demand more from the club structures to sign better players.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane on their transfer plans. pic.twitter.com/SggZM87y1A
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) January 9, 2023
Team of Choice victory moves them one up the log
Maritzburg United moved from the foot of the table following a 1-0 win over another struggling side, Marumo Gallants. The team of choices goal was scored by Tshepo Gumede’s own goal in the 79th minute.
Royal AM claimed a 2-0 KZN Derby victory over AmaZulu at the Chatsworth stadium in Durban. Royal AM were without Khabo Zondo whom has been reported to have vacated his co-coaching role to head the youth development of Thwihli Thwahla
Pressure is mounting on coach Romain Folz after AmaZulu lost 2-0 to Royal AM in the KZN derby at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday. https://t.co/rkIxrVWtAA pic.twitter.com/cGXwshbN7h
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) January 8, 2023
