Masandawana are back to where they believe they belong — on top of the Betway Premiership. Their decisive 4-1 win over Richards Bay on Saturday not only showcased the champions’ depth and attacking power but also shifted the title race narrative after Sekhukhune United’s unbeaten streak came to an abrupt halt.
Sundowns Bounce Back In Style
Fresh from a midweek stumble against Golden Arrows, the Brazilians roared back at home , led by Tashreeq Matthews, who bagged a brace in a standout performance. It was a good performance for the midfielder who has recently come under intense scrutiny from football fans.
New recruit, Nuno Santos who was recruited from Portugal, was handed his first start of the season, wasted no time making an impression as his early cross created the chaos for Matthews’ opener. Malibongwe Khoza and Iqraam Rayners kept Richards Bay on their toes, with Rayners calmly slotting home from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion before halftime.
By the time Matthews hammered home his second in the 62nd minute, Masandawana fans were already in full voice, celebrating a return to the summit with 21 points from 10 matches.
Sekhukhune’s First Setback
Up north, Sekhukhune United’s impressive unbeaten run finally hit a wall against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Mokibelo Ramabu’s strike midway through the first half proved decisive, leaving Eric Tinkler’s men frustrated despite throwing everything forward.
Even Bradley Grobler, the league’s top scorer, was shackled by the Rise and Shine defence. It was a painful reminder for Babina Noko that margins in the Premiership are razor-thin.
Durban City Fight Their Way Into The Top Three
In Durban, Gavin Hunt’s City side shook off recent struggles with a spirited 3-1 comeback against Magesi at Chatsworth Stadium. Wonderboy Makhubu’s opener had the visitors dreaming, but Samkelo Maseko’s equaliser ignited the Citizens after the break. Saziso Magawana’s strike turned the tide, before veteran forward Letsie Koapeng sealed the deal late on.
The win pushed Durban City into third place, a huge morale boost after a run of flat performances. Hunt, who thrives on building resilient sides, has fans quietly whispering that City could yet be surprise contenders.
Golden Arrows Keep Their Momentum
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows are showing signs of consistency with back-to-back wins. Their 3-0 dismantling of Orbit College at King Zwelithini Stadium was as clinical as it was dominant, with Junior Dion’s opener setting the tone inside two minutes.
Orbit, still adjusting to life in the top flight, were left reeling as Siyanda Ndlovu and Jerome Karlese piled on the misery. With six defeats in nine matches, Orbit’s fairy-tale promotion is fast turning into a survival scrap.
Looking Ahead
With Sundowns back on top, Sekhukhune chasing, and Durban City quietly climbing, the Betway Premiership is heating up.
The league is as unpredictable as ever, a reminder of why South African football remains one of the most fiercely contested on the continent.
Image Source: Masandawana on X
