Betway Premiership: Stellenbosch move into third, Cape Town City show signs of life

There is still plenty to sort out in South Africa’s Betway Premiership even after Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed yet another title earlier this week. Six games took place on Saturday with major implications for the relegation fight as well as the ongoing battle for third place and qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

This season’s Confederation Cup semifinalists, Stellenbosch FC, took a big step towards competing in the continental competition again next season with a 2-1 victory over SuperSport United. Goals from Sanele Barns and Devon Titus inside the opening thirty minutes moved Stellies back into third place.

Stellies took advantage of a 1-1 draw between Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs, which resulted in Sekhukhune dropping to fourth position. Makabi Lilepo canceled out an early deficit for AmaKhosi with his brilliant individual effort to equalize in first half stoppage time.

Even though they dominated the match, second place Orlando Pirates fell victim to a late equalizer in their 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy. Despite finishing as runners-up in both the cup and league this campaign, it has been a successful season with a CAF Champions League semifinal run and the continued development of youth academy products who are becoming key players.

Finally, the relegation battle continues to provide suspense. After four months of nothing but defeats in a 14-match winless streak, Cape Town City do have some hope after a 2-0 victory at Polokwane City. It remains likely the Citizens will do battle in the relegation/promotion playoff but they can still overtake SuperSport United or Golden Arrows if results go their way.

Mamelodi Sundowns will celebrate their eighth consecutive title on Sunday when they host Magesi FC for their final league fixture before commencing preparations for the CAF Champions League final against Egypt’s Pyramids FC.

Results

Marumo Gallants 1-1 Chippa United

Orlando Pirates 1-1 TS Galaxy

Polokwane City 0-2 Cape Town City

Richards Bay 0-0 Golden Arrows

Sekhukhune United 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Stellenbosch 2-1 SuperSport United

League Table