Sekhukhune United edge Richards Bay in five-goal Betway Premiership thriller

Sekhukhune United held on for a dramatic 3-2 victory against Richards Bay FC in the weekend’s Betway Premiership highlight, with Ngoanamelo Rammala scoring in the 89th minute to settle an eventful contest.

Tshepo Mokoena gave Babina Noko an early advantage in the 10th minute after Richards Bay failed to clear their lines. Mokoena broke through, rounded the advancing Siphesihle Mtshali and shot towards goal as goalkeeper Lwandile Mabuya lost his footing while attempting to deal with the danger.

Sekhukhune led at half-time and doubled their advantage when Ndongani Samba Gilbani struck powerfully from inside the box. The goal was particularly notable as the former Bafana player was facing his former club for the first time since leaving two months ago.

Richards Bay, coached on an interim basis by Siboniso Gumede, responded with two quick goals. Nqaba Xulu scored in the 76th minute before the equaliser arrived in the 85th. However, Rammala restored Sekhukhune’s lead a minute from time, ensuring the visitors kept sixth place on the log.

AmaZulu continue strong run

AmaZulu FC moved up to third on 16 points after defeating Polokwane City 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored in the fourth minute, extending his impressive run in front of goal and giving coach Arthur Zwane his fifth win in seven matches.

Stellenbosch FC also collected three points away from home, beating Kruger United 1-0 at Mbombela Stadium. Keanan Johannesen scored in the 27th minute for Gavin Hunt’s side, who could take some relief from the result before the FIFA international break.

The win was only Stellenbosch’s second in seven matches this season. Their other fixtures have produced three draws and two defeats.

Milford FC’s positive form continued with a 1-1 draw against Durban City at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday. Mvelo Zikakayo put coach Xanti Pupuma’s team ahead in the 38th minute, but Luphumlo Sifumba equalised for City five minutes after half-time.

Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs also shared the points after a goalless draw at Mbombela Stadium. Thakasani Mbanjwa produced a significant save to keep out Lebohang Maboe’s penalty, while both teams created opportunities without finding a winning goal.

Orlando Pirates recorded their second 2-0 victory in four days by beating relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Kabelo Kgositsile opened the scoring in the 34th minute and Nkosinathi Sibisi added a second in the 74th, securing the Bucs’ fifth consecutive league win. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side had beaten Durban City 2-0 at the same venue on Thursday, with Lebone Seema and Tshepang Moremi scoring.

Chippa United earned their first win of the season by defeating struggling TS Galaxy 1-0 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Harold Majadibodu scored in the 62nd minute for Brandon Truter’s Gqeberha-based side, who had narrowly missed an upset against Mamelodi Sundowns after conceding a 1-0 lead in the final 30 seconds of that match.

The weekend’s results provide the candidates for the official Soccer Laduma Team of the Week.