Betway Premiership round-up: Chippa United and Royal AM secure victories

Royal AM triumph 2-0 over Sekhukhune United in a tactical clash

Royal AM secured a confident 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Despite Sekhukhune controlling the possession, it was Royal AM who made their chances count.

The first half saw Sekhukhune pressing hard but struggling to capitalise on their opportunities. In the 46th minute, Ayanda Jiyane broke the deadlock for Royal AM, slotting in a well-taken shot from close range following a corner, putting the hosts up 1-0 at half-time.

Royal AM doubled their lead shortly after the break. In the 49th minute, Motebang Sera found the back of the net with a clinical finish from the centre of the box, assisted by Ayabulela Maxwele after a well-executed set-piece.

Sekhukhune's attempts to respond came close, with Mcedi Vandala hitting the post in the first half, but their efforts lacked the finishing touch. Lesedi Kapinga and Keletso Makgalwa both tested Royal AM's defence, but Sekhukhune couldn't convert.

Royal AM's disciplined defence and effective use of set-pieces sealed their 2-0 win, moving them up the Premiership table with a strong home performance.

Xola Mlambo strike salvages point for Gallants in clash with TS Galaxy

Marumo Gallants and TS Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw at Dr Rantlai Petrus Stadium on Saturday, with Xola Mlambo's crucial equaliser rescuing a point for the home side in a fiery Betway Premiership battle.

TS Galaxy opened the scoring in the 55th minute through Samukelo Kabini, who finished sharply from close range after a well-placed cross from Puso Dithejane.

The goal gave Galaxy a deserved lead as they capitalised on their attacking pressure following Gallants' first-half struggles, particularly after Diala Manaka received a red card for a reckless foul just before the break.

Gallants, however, responded swiftly. Just twelve minutes after falling behind, substitute Xola Mlambo found the back of the net, expertly converting from close range after a set-piece scramble to level the score at 1-1 in the 67th minute.

His goal reignited Gallants' spirits despite their numerical disadvantage, as they held on resiliently through Galaxy's late attempts, which were thwarted by solid defensive work and saves from Gallants' keeper.

Both sides had further chances to score, with TS Galaxy's Mlungisi Mbunjana and Lindokuhle Mbatha coming close in the dying minutes, but neither could break the deadlock.

The result leaves both teams reflecting on missed opportunities, with Gallants especially grateful for Mlambo's impact off the bench to secure a valuable point.

Stellenbosch survive at Richards Bay despite late red card drama

Stellenbosch held on despite a late red card to come away with a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw with Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Richards Bay started brightly, keeping goalkeeper Sage Stephens busy early on, but the visitors grew into the game after 25 minutes, with Kyle Jurgens nearly giving them the lead from a set-piece, only for his curling shot to go just wide.

As the first half progressed, Yamela Mbuthuma had a golden opportunity to score with a close-range header, but Stephens made a crucial save as both teams went into the break level.

Brandon Truter made an attacking change at half-time, bringing on Thabiso Kutumela, who almost broke the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the box, again saved by Stephens.

Despite Richards Bay creating more chances, including a close effort from Mbuthuma, Stellenbosch held firm, even after being reduced to 10 men when Jayden Adams was sent off in the final minutes for a second yellow card following a harsh foul, and both sides ultimately had to settle for a draw.

Chippa up to third in the standings after seeing off Golden Arrows

Chippa United recorded their third victory in six Betway Premiership matches this season after 2-0 win against Golden Arrows at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Chilli Boys took the lead in the 27th minute when Siphelo Baloni found the back of the net to send the home fans into a frenzy.

The second goal of the game came from the penalty spot when experienced midfielder Andile Jali took responsibility and beat Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova.

The three points mean Chippa move up third in the league standings on 10 points while Arrows suffered a third loss in five matches and in 10th place.

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