By A pulsating night of Betway Premiership action delivered high-octane drama across the country on Wednesday, headlined by a five-star display from Mamelodi Sundowns and a four-goal thriller between Kaizer Chiefs and Richards Bay.
Sundowns Hit Five in Loftus Goal-Fest
Mamelodi Sundowns produced arguably the most entertaining display of the season so far, putting five goals past AmaZulu FC in a 5-2 victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The win elevated the African champions to second place in the standings, level on points with leaders Orlando Pirates, while AmaZulu suffered their first league defeat of the campaign.
The Tshwane giants set the tone early. Colombian forward Brayan Leon broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a world-class finish after Cassius Mailula’s effort deflected into his path. Seven minutes later, Teboho Mokoena marked his return from injury in trademark fashion, unleashing a thunderous curling free-kick to beat Wilfried Kouassi and send Sundowns into halftime with a 2-0 cushion.
AmaZulu struck back immediately after the restart through the in-form Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in the 46th minute. However, Tashreeq Matthews quickly restored the hosts’ two-goal lead five minutes later.
The goals continued to flow in the second half. Leon grabbed his brace in the 66th minute off a Matthews assist, only for Ngwenya to respond four minutes later with his fifth goal of the season to temporarily top the league scoring charts. The night belonged to Sundowns, however, and substitute Bennet Mokoena—the 2025/26 DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season—capped off the 5-2 win in stoppage time with his first goal as a professional.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso will now turn his attention to Sunday’s MTN8 semifinal clash against Golden Arrows as Masandawana look to overturn a 1-0 deficit. AmaZulu next face Richards Bay in a KZN Derby on 4 September.
- Final Score: Mamelodi Sundowns 5 (Leon 25′, 66′, T. Mokoena 32′, Matthews 51′, B. Mokoena 90’+1) – AmaZulu 2 (Ngwenya 46′, 70′)
Dion the Hero Again as Arrows Edge Stellenbosch
Golden Arrows picked up their first league win of the season after defeating Stellenbosch FC 1-0, with Sede Junior Dion once again proving to be the match-winner off the bench. Having scored the winner against Sundowns in the Top Eight competition over the weekend, the Ivorian forward repeated the feat by heading home Thokozani Khumalo’s 70th-minute cross.
Stellies pushed for a late equaliser by introducing Genino Palace and Bradley Grobler, but Abafana Bes’thende stood firm to secure three points and move up to sixth on the table. Stellenbosch remain in 11th after recording their second defeat.
- Final Score: Golden Arrows 1 (Dion 70’) – Stellenbosch FC 0
Chiefs and Richards Bay Battle to 2-2 Draw
At Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs played out a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The hosts capitalized early on a severe error from Amakhosi goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, allowing Nqaba Xulu to open the scoring in the eighth minute. Chiefs struck back ten minutes later when Lebohang Maboe converted a penalty following a handball by Thembela Sikhakhane. However, Xulu restored the Natal Rich Boyz’ lead before the break, heading home from a corner kick in the 39th minute.
Chiefs fought back in the second period, securing a point in the 77th minute through Siphesihle Ndlovu, who slotted an accurate cut-back from Asanele Velebayi into the top corner.
- Final Score: Richards Bay 2 (Xulu 8’, 39’) – Kaizer Chiefs 2 (Maboe 19’ P, Ndlovu 77’)
Goalless Stalemate for Polokwane and Milford
Newly-promoted Milford FC continued their solid start to top-flight football, earning a 0-0 draw against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Chances were sparse throughout the contest, with both defenses holding firm. Polokwane came closest to securing all three points in the 84th minute through a powerful long-range effort from Manuel Kambala, but Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza produced a fine diving save to preserve the draw. The result leaves Milford fifth on the table with seven points from four games, while Polokwane occupy 10th place.
- Final Score: Polokwane City 0 – Milford FC 0
