Mamelodi Sundowns remain top of the Betway Premiership after a convincing 4-1 victory over Richards Bay, while Orlando Pirates bounced back from their MTN8 final defeat with a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy.
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, dropped points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
Sundowns lead the standings with 23 points from nine matches, one point ahead of Pirates, who have collected 22 points from eight games. Chiefs are fourth with 14 points from eight matches.
Sundowns maintain their lead
The Brazilians followed their MTN8 triumph with another strong performance, defeating Richards Bay 4-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Richards Bay equalised through Lwandile Mabuya in the 22nd minute.
Iqraam Rayners restored Sundowns’ lead in the 37th minute, sending the visitors into half-time ahead 2-1.
Rayners completed his brace in the 47th minute before Fawaaz Basadien sealed the victory with a goal in the 59th minute.
The win was Sundowns’ seventh in nine league matches, keeping them at the summit of the standings.
Pirates respond after cup final disappointment
Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in the league with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Boitumelo Radiopane opened the scoring in the 18th minute after a well-worked passing move involving the Buccaneers.
Substitute Tshepang Moremi doubled the lead in the 50th minute, five minutes after coming on at half-time.
Simphiwe Masilela completed the scoring in the 77th minute, finishing off another well-constructed attacking move.
The victory provided a response after Pirates lost 2-0 to Sundowns in the MTN8 final over the weekend.
Pirates remain firmly in the title race with 22 points from eight matches and a game in hand over the league leaders.
Chiefs held to another draw
Kaizer Chiefs were forced to settle for a point after drawing 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba put Stellenbosch ahead in the 47th minute before Mduduzi Shabalala equalised for Amakhosi in the 58th minute.
Neither side managed to find a winner, leaving Chiefs with another frustrating result as they continue their search for greater consistency.
Despite dropping points, Chiefs remain unbeaten in the league this season. However, their fifth draw in eight matches means they have missed opportunities to close the gap on the teams above them.
With the campaign gathering momentum, Sundowns will be looking to protect their lead, Pirates will aim to maintain the pressure with their game in hand, and Chiefs will be seeking more victories as the battle for the Betway Premiership title continues.
