Betway Premiership: Pick your team of the week after action-packed weekend

Orlando Pirates maintained their dominance in the Soweto derby with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at a capacity-packed FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kaizer Chiefs controlled much of the first half and created enough opportunities to have put the game beyond reach for Fernando Da Cruz’s side. However, Orlando Pirates opened the scoring when Yanela Mbuthuma’s effort took a deflection off Thabo Moloisane’s foot and went past Brandon Petersen.

The move began with a precise pass from Thapelo Mokobodi, who found space behind the Chiefs defence. Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine then gifted Kaizer Chiefs an equaliser when he failed to hold what appeared to be a routine catch. The ball fell to Pule Mmodi, who had initially believed the opportunity had gone, and the former Golden Arrows attacker made no mistake as he fired between Chaine’s legs.

The sides went into half-time level, but Abdeslam Ouaddou’s tactical and personnel changes had a positive effect after the break. Mokobodi again played a key role in Pirates’ second goal, beating the offside trap before calmly setting up Tshepang Moremi to score into an empty net.

There were no further goals, although Oswin Appollis was frustrated when his effort was ruled out for offside despite appearing to have been in an onside position.

Gallants claim first win

Marumo Gallants recorded their first victory of the campaign by beating Siwelele FC 3-2 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Friday evening.

Samkele Sihlali scored twice and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo added the other goal for Ronnie Kanalelo’s team. The result lifted Marumo Gallants to 15th in the table, while they moved off 16th place for the first time this campaign. Goals from Raymond Makhuvele and Vincent Pule were not enough to earn Siwelele FC a point.

Milford FC’s impressive run continued as Xanti Pupuma’s newly promoted team defeated Sekhukhune United at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday. Mvelo Zikakayo’s 24th-minute goal secured a fifth win in 10 games, leaving Milford FC fourth with 18 points.

Kruger United also underlined their strong start with a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Wonderboy Makhubu scored in the third minute and Ebrahim Seedat converted a penalty in the 22nd minute to give Abram Mongoya’s side a commanding advantage.

Luyanda Khumalo reduced the deficit for The Natal Rich Boys, but Mancoba Zwane restored Kruger United’s two-goal lead in the 93rd minute.

AmaZulu FC edged Golden Arrows 1-0 in the KZN derby at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scoring in the 65th minute.

Mamelodi Sundowns completed the weekend’s biggest win, beating Durban City 4-1 on Sunday afternoon. Thabang Matuludi scored twice, while Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyke added one goal each. Jean Lubumba scored for Eric Tinkler’s side.

Now select your Betway Premiership Team of the Week and compare it with the official Soccer Laduma selection.