Mamelodi Sundowns lead Richards Bay as Pirates, Chiefs chase Premiership wins

Mamelodi Sundowns moved 4-1 ahead at Richards Bay while Orlando Pirates held a 2-0 advantage over TS Galaxy in a busy Betway Premiership programme on Tuesday evening.

Sundowns took control in Durban through Tashreeq Matthews after 18 minutes, but Richards Bay levelled four minutes later when Mabuya finished. Lucas Ribeiro’s side regained the lead in the 37th minute through Iqraam Rayners, who scored for the second consecutive game.

Rayners added his second of the evening soon after half-time, before Basadien made it 4-1 in the 59th minute.

Orlando Pirates also scored in the 18th minute, with Radiopane beating TS Galaxy goalkeeper Tape. Moremi doubled the hosts’ lead from close range three minutes into the second half.

Kaizer Chiefs were held 1-1 by Stellenbosch. The visitors went in front in the 47th minute after Kwayiba converted following good work from Mashego, but Shabalala restored parity with a composed finish 10 minutes later.

Chiefs had been frustrated before the interval, with Duba unable to beat Stephens in a one-on-one opportunity. The match was goalless at half-time.

AmaZulu FC led Durban City 1-0 after seven minutes, when Mondli Mbanjwa found the net. The match marked Eric Tinkler’s first game in charge of Durban City.

At half-time, Richards Bay were 1-2 behind against Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates led TS Galaxy 1-0, and Durban City trailed AmaZulu FC 0-2, while Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch remained level at 0-0.

The four matches all kicked off at 19:30: Kaizer Chiefs v Stellenbosch, Richards Bay v Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates v TS Galaxy and Durban City v AmaZulu FC.

Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs were the only unbeaten sides remaining in the Premiership before kick-off. Stellenbosch had won their previous three meetings with Kaizer Chiefs in all competitions.

The starting line-ups were: Kaizer Chiefs Leaner, Frosler, Miguel, Moloisane, Cross, Monyane, Mako, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Duba; Stellenbosch Stephens, Nkwali, Msimango, Vena, Lebitso, Mashego, Blom, Du Preez, Matlou, Kwayiba, Plaatjies.

Richards Bay Otieno, Makhalala, Mabuya, Mkhabela, Mcineka, Gumbi, Khumalo, Mthembu, Xulu, Gumede, Nzama; Mamelodi Sundowns Williams, Ndamane, Khoza, Matuludi, Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Ndlovu, Matthews, Mailula, Rayners.

Orlando Pirates Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sigomoshe, Ndaba, Mokobodi, Selepe, Masilela, Lungu, Appollis, Radiopane; TS Galaxy Tape, Mncwango, Mhlongo, Mathebula, Mbunjana, Zindoga, Mvelase, Kakora, Xulu, George, Letsoalo.

Durban City Asare, Mkhize, Mokone, Ncanana, Shandu, Maseko, Poggenpoel, Sifumba, Brooks, Jurgens, Lwamba; AmaZulu FC Mzimela, Radebe, Mdaka, Mthethwa, Fielies, Allan, Hlangabeza, Maduna, Ngwenya, Maqokolo, Mabanjwa.

AmaZulu’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya led the scoring chart with eight goals, followed by Richards Bay’s Nqaba Xulu on five. TS Galaxy’s Victor Letsoalo had four, while Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch’s Quwan Plaatjies had three each.