The Betway Premiership delivered another thrilling round of action as Mamelodi Sundowns asserted their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United. With both teams in top form, the battle for league supremacy is heating up.
Sundowns Continue Their Supremacy in the Tshwane Derby
Mamelodi Sundowns extended their dominant run in the Betway Premiership match with a commanding 3-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby on Wednesday.
The match began with an early breakthrough from Jayden Adams, who opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Sundowns’ attacking pressure continued, and Tashreeq Matthews bagged a brace to seal the victory. Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile played crucial roles, providing key assists.
League Leaders Maintain Their Grip on the Table
Sundowns have now won five of the last seven Tshwane Derbies, highlighting their supremacy in the fixture. Their overall league form remains remarkable, with 13 wins from 14 matches, keeping them six points clear at the top of the table.
SuperSport United, once a force in South African football with three consecutive league titles over two decades ago, now prioritise youth development and selling talent. Their last derby win came courtesy of Tapelo Maseko, who has since joined Sundowns.
Coach Miguel Cardoso made tactical adjustments, resting playmaker Marcelo Allende in preparation for Sundowns’ crucial top-of-the-table clash against Orlando Pirates.
Pirates Keep Up Pressure with Win Over Sekhukhune
On the same night, Orlando Pirates remained in the title hunt with a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Deon Hotto set the tone early with a fifth-minute free-kick goal, following a foul on Patrick Maswanganyi. Pirates doubled their advantage shortly after halftime when Makhehlene Makhaula capitalised on defensive lapses to score from Hotto’s cross.
Although Linda Mntambo pulled one back for Sekhukhune in the 77th minute, Pirates’ defence remained firm to secure the three points.
Betway Premiership Title Race Heats Up
Pirates’ victory keeps them within six points of Sundowns, with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United sit fourth in the standings, five points behind Polokwane City.
Both sides showed glimpses of quality throughout the game. Pirates created several chances, with Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng threatening the opposition goal. However, Sekhukhune nearly snatched an equaliser late on, only to be denied by Sipho Chaine’s brilliant goalkeeping.
Looking Ahead
Sundowns will now shift their focus to their upcoming showdown against Pirates—a potential title decider. With both teams in top form, the clash promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. Pirates, having won back-to-back games, will aim to close the gap at the top. However, they must be wary of Sundowns’ relentless form and attacking firepower.
As the Betway Premiership title race intensifies, every match becomes crucial in determining this season’s champions.
Related article: SuperSport vs Sundowns – Can SuperSport Stop Sundowns’ Dominance in the Tshwane Derby?
