Kaizer Chiefs maintain perfect start as Orlando Pirates drop more points in DStv Diski Challenge

Orlando Pirates’ difficult start to the DStv Diski Challenge continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by debutants Kruger United at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.

The Buccaneers were seeking a response after last weekend’s defeat by Siwelele FC, with Thurston Phillips putting them ahead on the half-hour mark after a swift counter-attack. Kruger reacted 10 minutes later when Ayabulela Magidigidi converted from close range, directing a delivery from the right into the roof of the net.

The result lifted Pirates from ninth to eighth in the table, while Kruger moved from 13th to 10th.

Mamelodi Sundowns kept up their winning run with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy at the same stadium. Simphiwe Mlondo opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, finishing after Galaxy failed to clear a loose ball in the area.

TS Galaxy equalised shortly before half-time through Siyanda Xulu, whose delivery from the right-back position flew into the far corner. Galaxy competed strongly after restoring parity but Sundowns regained the lead midway through the second half when Mlondo struck again inside the area to secure the points.

Durban City earned their first point of the campaign in a 0-0 draw with Milford FC at Chatsworth Stadium. The result ended a run of three successive defeats, although City remain at the bottom of the table.

Stellenbosch FC were also held goalless by Siwelele FC at Idas Valley Stadium. The visitors arrived after beating holders Orlando Pirates and winning their previous two matches, while Stellenbosch had started their campaign with victory over Polokwane City. Neither side could find a decisive touch in the Winelands.

Kaizer Chiefs preserved their 100% record by beating Marumo Gallants 4-0 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday. Keitumetse Lesia, who scored the winner against Richards Bay FC last weekend, opened the scoring following a defence-splitting pass.

Tashiel Rugunana doubled the advantage with a left-footed free-kick into the near corner on the half-hour mark. Five minutes after the interval, Steve Mendes’ high press forced a defensive mistake for Chiefs’ third, before Samkelo Msimango completed the scoring after finding space to shoot.

Polokwane City recorded their first win after three consecutive defeats, beating AmaZulu 2-1 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The result ended an uncharacteristically poor start for Rise and Shine, while Usuthu suffered their first defeat and dropped to fifth.

Sekhukhune United defeated Chippa United 4-1 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga. Olwethu Rampai gave Chippa a fifth-minute lead, but Thokolo Medupi equalised with a powerful header two minutes later.

Ntando Thwane then capitalised on a defensive error to put Sekhukhune ahead and added a second before half-time. Tumelo Kgasago missed a penalty for Chippa after a foul in the area, before Rathokolo’s save was followed by Thwane completing his hat-trick from close range.

Golden Arrows claimed a third successive win by beating Richards Bay FC 1-0 in the KwaZulu-Natal derby. Full-back Katlego Moloi scored the late winner, leaving Richards Bay with three consecutive defeats.