Upington City hold Cape Town City as Motsepe Foundation Championship leaders drop points

Cape Town City’s winning run in the Motsepe Foundation Championship came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Upington City at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday.

The result did not cost City top spot, but prevented them from opening a two-point gap over second-placed Magesi FC. After a goalless first half, Therlo Moosa put the visitors ahead early in the second period before Neo Dikgale equalised for Upington City, who remain seventh.

Magesi FC were also held to a 1-1 draw by winless Orbit College and missed another opportunity to move to the summit. Thabang Sibanyoni, facing his former club, gave Orbit College the lead midway through the first half. Bafedile Baloyi equalised early after the interval for Magesi FC, extending the visitors’ winless run to 10 matches.

Hope FC moved into fifth place and stayed one point behind the leaders after beating Hungry Lions 1-0 at Athlone Stadium. It was a third consecutive victory for Clayton Daniels’ side, while Hungry Lions suffered their first defeat since the first week of September. The decisive goal came in the second half after the teams had been level at the break.

Lerumo Lions continued their strong form with a 2-1 victory away to Midlands Wanderers at the Harry Gwala Stadium. The sides were level at half-time before Lerumo Lions secured the points, leaving Midlands Wanderers with a third successive defeat and 13th place in the standings.

Real Native FC retained fourth position with a 2-0 win against Leicesterford City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Following two consecutive draws and losing ground on the leading pair, Real Native FC regained momentum through Mbulelo Nombengula’s first-half goal. Lerato Ntamane added a second after the restart, condemning Leicesterford City to a fifth straight defeat.

Northwest University extended their unbeaten run to seven matches by defeating Highbury FC 3-1 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground. Bixa Sanele opened the scoring in the first half before Oupa Maehetja doubled the advantage. Mzoxolo Rafani pulled one back for Highbury, but Reatlegile Kgosithebe restored Northwest University’s two-goal lead from the penalty spot late on.

University of Pretoria surrendered a two-goal advantage as Gomora United fought back for a 2-2 draw at Tuks Stadium. Former youth international Aphelele Teto scored twice, including a goal five minutes into the second half, after AmaTuks had made a strong start. Vincent Sithole was sent off for a second bookable offence, allowing Tiklas Thutlwa to score twice late on and secure a point for Gomora United.

Venda FC drew 0-0 with The Bees at Thohoyandou Stadium. It was a second successive goalless draw for Venda FC, who have collected three points from 10 matches. The Bees remain 14th, four points adrift, and could not build on their previous weekend’s victory over Midlands Wanderers.