Orlando Pirates to end year atop South African Premiership as Mamelodi Sundowns falter at Siwelele

Orlando Pirates will end 2025 at the top of the South African Premiership after 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Siwelele FC at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.

The result denied Sundowns the chance to reclaim first place and ensured they closed the year two points behind Pirates, marking their first New Year outside the summit since the 2019/20 campaign.

Sundowns entered the fixture knowing victory would restore their lead, yet they struggled to establish early rhythm. Miguel Cardoso adjusted his line-up from last week’s CAF Champions League outing, replacing Divine Lunga with Aubrey Modiba.

Siwelele, missing suspended midfielder Relebogile Mokhuoane, handed a start to Gape Moralo.

Cardoso’s plans were disrupted after five minutes when injured centre-back Grant Kekena was withdrawn for Kegan Johannes. That change proved costly.

Ronwen Williams miscontrolled a back pass from Johannes after 27 minutes, allowing Tebogo Potsane to square for Vincent Pule, who calmly finished into an empty net for his second goal of the campaign.

Siwelele pushed for a second after the interval and unsettled Sundowns with sustained pressing, yet they lacked precision in the final third. Their missed chances opened the door for Masandawana, who increased their tempo as the hour mark approached.

Themba Zwane fired over from close range after 67 minutes before the equaliser arrived through Lebo Mothiba.

The substitute reacted quickest in a crowded area to force the ball home with 16 minutes left, capitalising on an earlier surge from Iqraam Rayners. It was Mothiba’s first goal of the season.

Rayners then missed a clear opportunity moments later, failing to connect with a Nuno Santos cross. Sundowns’ task became harder when Teboho Mokoena received a red card nine minutes from time.

Siwelele threatened to win it late, but Nyiko Mobbie and Lyle Lakay squandered two significant chances in the dying moments.