Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed the top spot in the South African Premiership after Orlando Pirates were stunned by a 1-0 defeat at home to Stellenbosch on Sunday.
Devin Titus delivered the decisive moment for Stellenbosch in the 33rd minute, brilliantly controlling a cross-field pass before firing past Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into the far corner. Despite a second-half effort from substitute Kabelo Dlamini that rattled the crossbar, Pirates were unable to salvage a point in Soweto.
Both sides entered the match after midweek CAF competitions. Pirates, competing in the CAF Champions League, secured an impressive 2-1 win against Chabab Belouizdad in Algeria. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch fell to a 2-0 defeat to Stade Malien in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
The result leaves Pirates level with Sundowns on 21 points from eight matches but behind on goal difference. Stellenbosch climbed to third with 15 points, ahead of Chippa United and Polokwane City by a single point.
On Saturday, Sundowns capitalised on Pirates’ slip with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Sekhukhune United in Pretoria. Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, who joined the team this season from Belgium’s Lommel, scored his debut goal for the 14-time champions, converting a penalty early in the second half to ease mounting criticism of his recent performances.
The win was cemented by a first-half own goal from Congolese defender Tresor Tshibwabwa—his second in consecutive matches—and an 89th-minute strike from Iqraam Rayners.
Elsewhere, Kaizer Chiefs’ Premiership woes continued as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-half Royal AM. Despite early strikes, the Johannesburg club faltered in the second half, conceding twice. Chiefs, managed by Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi, are now sixth in the table, trailing the leaders by 10 points. With the Premiership title appearing out of reach, their best chance of silverware this season could lie in the FA Cup.
As the Premiership title race heats up, Sundowns have shown consistency while Pirates will need to recover quickly to keep their championship aspirations alive.
