The DStv Premiership title race is heating up following a dramatic night of league action that saw Kaizer Chiefs rise to third place and Mamelodi Sundowns retain their position at the summit.
Nasreddine Nabi’s Kaizer Chiefs secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while Sekhukhune United’s surprise defeat to Siwelele in Bloemfontein ensured Sundowns remain top of the log.
With the latest results, the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns sit first with 21 points, holding a two-point cushion and still boasting games in hand. Sekhukhune United remain second on 19 points, tied with Kaizer Chiefs, who have now climbed into third place due to goal difference.
Chiefs’ win came courtesy of Portuguese forward Flavio Silva, who scored a late winner to hand Amakhosi a valuable three points. Despite what co-coach Cedric Kaze described as “not our best performance,” Chiefs displayed resilience to grind out a victory that keeps them firmly in the title race.
“Today it’s true we were not at our best,” Kaze told iDiski Times after the game. “But it’s a league — it’s a marathon. You have to win even when you’re not at your best.”
The Soweto giants now appear to be gaining momentum after a slow start to the season, and the result sends a strong message to their rivals that Chiefs are back in contention.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United’s slip-up in Bloemfontein came as a shock. They went into the game with a chance to move above Sundowns but were undone by a resilient Siwelele side that refused to back down. Siviwe Magidigidi’s long-range effort in the 74th minute gave the hosts the lead, before Ricard Goss pulled off a stunning penalty save to deny Keletso Makgalwa just two minutes later.
The 1-0 defeat leaves Sekhukhune ruing missed chances as they missed a golden opportunity to sit at the top of the standings for the first time this season.
Sundowns, who were not in action, remain in pole position and could extend their lead further once they play their games in hand. Rulani Mokwena’s men continue to look strong both domestically and in continental competition, with their squad depth and consistency setting them apart from the chasing pack.
Elsewhere in the league, Siwelele’s impressive win continues their steady climb up the table, proving that they can hold their own against the league’s best. The Bloemfontein outfit have now recorded back-to-back home wins, sparking renewed optimism among their loyal supporters.
As things stand, the top three race is tighter than ever, with just two points separating Sundowns, Sekhukhune, and Chiefs. With several rounds still to play, fans can expect more twists and turns as the battle for supremacy intensifies.
The next few weeks promise high drama — and for Kaizer Chiefs, the dream of ending their trophy drought suddenly feels a little closer.
