Betway Premiership Recap: Pirates escape slip up in Polokwane; Durban City draw Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates matched title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, but only just, as the situation remained the same at the top of the Betway Premiership table. Relebohile Mofokeng’s second half header set the visitors on track but late drama saw the Bucs narrowly escape with a 2-1 victory at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder was on hand to loop his header over a crowd of defenders and Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula following a frantic scramble in the penalty area. A clever move on the right flank from fullback Deano van Rooyen provided space for a cross that led to a series of shots and saves from Mathebula before Mofokeng wisely looped his header beyond reach.

Mathebula put in a heroic effort but the relentless pressure was too much by the visitors from Orlando. The hosts were limited to counter-attacks as Amabhakabhaka dominated possession and set up camp in the Polokwane half.

But a late twist sent Bucs supporters on a roller coaster of emotion. Bonginkosi Dlamini’s equalizer for Polokwane came out of nowhere in the 86th minute but anxiety transformed into elation when substitute Patrick Maswanganyi saved the three points for the Sea Robbers with a 90th minute winner.

⚽️ 90′ MASWANGAAAAAAANYIII!!!!

🥅 @Polokwanecity_ 1 – 2 @orlandopirates

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/svysTHjpA8

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) March 4, 2026

Mofokeng is enjoying a strong 2026 so far since returning from 2025 Africa Cup of Nations duty with Bafana Bafana. He has 4 goals and 3 assists in 8 matches this year to date.

Elsewhere, Sundowns built up a strong enough lead before Jayden Adams’ red card early in the second half to hold on for a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows. Iqraam Rayners scored to continue his return to form after enduring a difficult period at the end of 2025 through the new year.

Durban City were victims of a late equalizer from Tshepho Mashiloane as Sekhukhune United bounced back to draw 1-1 at the Chatsworth Stadium. Saziso Magawana’s third goal of the campaign appeared to give the Citizens victory but Babina Noko hit back late to hold onto third place, one point ahead of Wednesday’s opponents.

Marumo Gallants snapped a woeful run of form with a 3-1 victory at Chippa United, their first positive result of 2026. Their last victory in the Betway Premiership before Wednesday’s result also came against the Chilli Boys, a 2-1 win back in October.

AmaZulu continued their slump with a 0-0 draw against bottom side Magesi FC, making it three matches in a row without a goal for Usuthu. Arthur Zwane’s side appears destined to drop out of the top-5 in the coming weeks once Kaizer Chiefs and other teams below them make up games in hand.

A busy stretch will see a full slate of matches over the weekend. Sundowns travel to face Orbit College, Pirates will host Siwelele FC and Kaizer Chiefs will look to get their campaign back on track in a difficult match at home against Durban City.

League Table (Top-5): The situation for Pirates and Sundowns