Stellies open the door for Pirates as Sekhukhune and Polokwane share the points

Tough loss for Stellenbosch in Soweto

Stellenbosch opened the door for Orlando Pirates to snatch second place on the DStv Premiership table after suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss to struggling Moroka Swallows, who all but made sure of their survival in the PSL for another season.

Stellies only recently ended a 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions by losing to mighty Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last weekend, but they were back on the receiving end at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.

Swallows came out with plenty of intent in the first half and after coming close to taking the lead on several occasions, they finally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Lindokuhle Mtshali found the top corner with an accurate strike past goalkeeper Sage Stephens.

The second goal came midway through the second half courtesy of season Malawian Gabadinho Mhango, who managed to burst through the last line of defence and score in off the post, and there was no way back for Stellenbosch from there.

The defeat means Orlando Pirates could snatch second place on the table if they beat Richards Bay later on Saturday evening, while Swallows look to be home and dry in the relegation race.

Honours even between Sekhukhune and Polokwane in Limpopo

Over at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo, Sekhukhune and Polokwane played out to a 0-0 draw that will likely leave both teams reasonably satisfied with a point.

The result means Sekhukhune stay in an impressive fourth place on the table, while the point was even more valuable for Rise and Shine, who lifted themselves into the all-important top eight - at least for the time being - as the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows will have the opportunity to pass them by once again on Sunday.

Both teams had their chances in the contest, although Sekhukhune probably had the better of them, with Siphesihle Mkhize, Chibuike Ohizu and Tresor Yambacoming each having good chances to break the deadlock.

Hlayisi Chauke also had a great chance for Polokwane just before half-time, but his shot flashed just wide.

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