Betway Premiership: Sundowns move closer to title; big setback for Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns supporters will be more assured of another Betway Premiership title after the Brazilians cruised to a 3-0 victory over Richards Bay on Wednesday while title rivals Orlando Pirates fell at home to Sekhukhune United.

Big money striker Arthur Sales’ karate volley from a Teboho Mokoena pass gave Masandawana the lead in the 8th minute and it was an easy path to victory from there. Iqraam Rayners doubled Sundowns’ lead before the half hour mark and Marcelo Allende made it 3-0 early in the second half.

As Sundowns eased to victory against an opponent that hardly troubled them, it was the opposite for Orlando Pirates. Trésor Yamba’s second half header from a corner kick was all Sekhukhune United needed to severely damage the Bucs’ faint title hopes in a 1-0 victory at the Orlando Stadium.

Pirates controlled possession throughout but it appeared that they lacked the edge needed to find a breakthrough after an exhausting CAF Champions League campaign that ended at the semifinal stage in heartbreaking fashion last Friday. The Buccaneers are now twelve points back of Sundowns with two games still in hand.

In the other match from Wednesday, Sanele Barns’ 83rd minute match winner gave Stellenbosch FC three important points to strengthen their hold on fourth place. Stellies remain three points back of Sekhukhune for third position and a place in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.

South Africa’s top flight resumes on Friday when AmaZulu host Polokwane City.

Results

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Richards Bay

Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Chippa United

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Sekhukhune United

League Table (Top-5)