Heritage Day was meant to be a moment of pride for Kaizer Chiefs, but instead it turned into another test of patience for Amakhosi fans as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium. Elsewhere in the Betway Premiership, TS Galaxy climbed into the top four, Sekhukhune dropped points, and Orbit College breathed life into their survival fight.
Mayo’s Debut Goal Overshadowed
Chiefs’ interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef rolled the dice with a 3-4-3 formation and handed a debut to new signing Khanyisa Mayo. The former CR Belouizdad forward wasted no time making an impression, stabbing home the opener to a roar from the Soweto faithful.
But Gaston Sirino’s missed penalty before halftime changed the tone of the match. Veteran Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi read the kick perfectly, and soon after the break Jaisen Clifford punished Chiefs with a curling strike that will be replayed for weeks to come.
The draw stretches Chiefs’ winless run to three matches across all competitions, leaving them third on the table with 14 points but with growing concerns among their supporters.
TS Galaxy Rising Fast
While Chiefs stumbled, TS Galaxy continued their surge with a commanding 3-1 victory over AmaZulu at Mbombela Stadium. Goals from Seluleko Mahlambi and Mory Keita, along with a Keegan Allan own goal, sealed the win for the Rockets. Despite a late lifeline from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, AmaZulu’s four-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Fans online praised Galaxy’s grit, with one X user declaring, “The Rockets are finally blasting off.” The win sees them climb into fourth place, cementing their resurgence after a sluggish start to the season.
Sekhukhune Slip At Home
League leaders Sekhukhune United had a frustrating evening against Chippa United, drawing 1-1 in Polokwane. Bradley Grobler’s penalty rescued a point for Babina Noko, but the veteran striker was denied a stoppage-time winner from the spot by Chippa’s Stanley Nwabali, who produced one of the saves of the season.
While Sekhukhune remain at the summit, their failure to secure maximum points has opened the door for chasing sides. Supporters voiced mixed feelings, with some applauding the fightback while others fretted about missed opportunities in a title race that looks tighter by the week.
Durban City Frustrate Stellenbosch
Durban City’s rise as a tough-to-beat newcomer continued with a 0-0 draw away to Stellenbosch. Sanele Barns and Devon Titus tested Darren Keet, but City’s defensive organisation held firm. The result snapped Stellies’ four-game losing run, but the plaudits went to Durban’s compact display, with many observers hailing them as this season’s surprise package.
Richards Bay And Orbit College Grab Crucial Wins
Richards Bay edged Magesi 1-0 courtesy of Lindokuhle Zikhali’s close-range header, moving the hosts into eighth place. Orbit College also celebrated a vital result, climbing out of the relegation zone thanks to Mbulelo Wagaba’s stunning strike in a 1-0 win over Polokwane City.
Both victories sparked relief among fans of the smaller clubs, who see these results as lifelines in a campaign where every point could decide survival.
A League Of Twists And Turns
This week’s fixtures highlighted just how unpredictable the Premiership can be. Chiefs’ stutter on a symbolic day, Sekhukhune’s stumble at home, and Galaxy’s upward momentum all underscored the fine margins that separate title contenders from strugglers.
As one supporter posted after Wednesday’s matches: “In the PSL, no one is safe. One goal, one save, one mistake can change the whole story.”
Source: SABC Sport
Image Source: Kaizer Chiefs
