South Africa’s top-flight football served up a weekend packed with emotion, frustration and a fair bit of disbelief as Orlando Pirates surged to the top of the table, TS Galaxy lost a golden chance to break into the top three, and Chippa United remained stuck at the bottom after yet another goalless outing.
From Polokwane to Bloemfontein, the mood around stadiums was one part hopeful and two parts anxious. Fans were loud, opinionated and, in true local football fashion, ready with memes before the final whistles even went.
TS Galaxy’s Big Chance Slips Away In Polokwane
Source: TS Galaxy on X
TS Galaxy walked into the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium dreaming of a leap into the top three. They walked out frustrated, goalless and watching Polokwane City supporters celebrate a point that felt more like a tactical victory.
The Rockets created enough chances to win the match twice over, but lacked the finishing touch. Mpho Mvelase and Mehdi Ouamri both came close, while Polokwane’s Lebohang Nkaki twice flashed dangerous headers that had the home crowd gasping.
On social media, Galaxy fans summed it up perfectly: “All the build-up, none of the final product,” one X user joked.
With the season tightening at the top, this might be a result Galaxy look back on with regret.
Chippa United’s Survival Fight Looks Bleak
Source: Soccer Laduma on X
Life at the bottom of the Betway Premiership is cold and unforgiving, and Chippa United are feeling every bit of it. Their 0-0 draw against Siwelele added only a single point to their tally, but did little to change the mood around the club.
Despite showing more intensity than in recent weeks and recalling Khaya Mfecane and Goodman Mosele, the Chilli Boys still lacked the cutting edge needed to break through.
Siwelele fans, meanwhile, enjoyed a reunion with coach Lehlohonolo Seema facing his former employers. Vincent Pule and Relebohile Mokhuoane came closest for the hosts, but Chippa’s resistance held.
Supporters took to social platforms calling it “a point that feels like a loss” for a team desperate to exit the basement of the table.
Pirates Rise To The Summit As AmaZulu Stumble
Source: Soccer Laduma on X
The biggest storyline of the weekend belonged to Orlando Pirates, who made a statement at Moses Mabhida Stadium by sweeping Durban City aside in a confident 2-0 win.
Evidence Makgopa continued his hot streak, scoring his second goal in as many matches, while Patrick Maswanganyi sealed the victory with a composed finish after a clever setup by Oswin Appollis.
But it was Relebohile Mofokeng who stole the show. The youngster’s dazzling creativity earned him the Man of the Match award, with fans dubbing him “the real engine of the Buccaneers midfield.”
With the victory, Pirates opened a three-point gap at the top after AmaZulu were humbled 2-0 by Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby. Coach Arthur Zwane’s side were overpowered and outplayed, surrendering a chance to climb into the top three.
Gallants And Magesi Share The Spoils In A Heated Bloemfontein Battle
Source: Soccer Laduma on X
At Dr Molemela Stadium, Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC closed the weekend with a tense 1-1 draw that left both camps feeling they had dropped valuable points.
Magesi opened the scoring through a beautifully struck free kick by Kgomotso Mosadi. But Jaisen Clifford, introduced earlier due to injury, responded with a composed finish to level matters before halftime.
Gallants dominated possession, especially in the second half, but Magesi’s late push almost snatched the win. The final ten minutes had fans on both sides standing, shouting and praying in equal measure.
The draw means Gallants head into their Carling Knockout final against Orlando Pirates on December 6 with mixed emotions but undeniable determination.
What This Weekend Means For The Season
With the table growing tighter, every point now carries emotional weight. Pirates have momentum. TS Galaxy are learning the lessons of missed opportunities. Chippa are battling to breathe. And the chasing pack is running out of room for error.
If this weekend proved anything, it is that the Betway Premiership rarely gives South Africans a quiet moment. And honestly, fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Source: Various
Image Source: Soccer Laduma on X
