WITS FALL, MARITZBURG WIN, SOWETO DERBY DRAW
The weekend’s Absa Premiership action saw leaders Bidvest Wits fall to their first away defeat of the season, Maritzburg United broke their long winless streak, and the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates ended all square.
Maritzburg got the weekend off to a rollicking start with a 3-1 home win over Polokwane City on Friday night. The result – inspired by a brace from Thabiso Kutumela – broke a 14-game winless streak and was also the first match in which they have scored three or more goals since January 2018.
Saturday afternoon could prove to be a key one in the title race – certainly as far as Mamelodi Sundowns are concerned. Having won in midweek against Black Leopards, they would have been pleased to see table-topping Wits beaten 2-1 at Highlands Park, while third-placed Orlando Pirates were held 1-1 by Kaizer Chiefs.
The Buccaneers, who cancelled out Daniel Cardoso’s penalty early in the second half with a late equaliser from Thembinkosi Lorch, were at least able to bring up a record 12th consecutive unbeaten game against the Amakhosi across all competitions.
Saturday’s night games featured a 2-0 away win for Chippa United at Free State Stars (who have now lost six of their last seven outings), while AmaZulu ended Cape Town City’s strong run of late with a 1-0 win at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Sunday saw nine goals across just two games, as Baroka and Bloemfontein Celtic drew 2-2 (with Tshegofatso Mabaso netting a brace for Phunya Sele Sele to continue his fine season) and SuperSport United claimed a much-needed 3-2 away win over Golden Arrows, with Teboho Mokoena scoring the decisive goal late on.
The Absa Premiership will be in recess next weekend for the last 16 round of the Nedbank Cup, before continuing with nine fixtures spread over February 20-24.
Absa PREMIERSHIP RESULTS 8-10 FEBRUARY
Friday 8 February
Maritzburg United 3-1 Polokwane City
Saturday 9 February
Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Orlando Pirates
Highlands Park 2-1 Bidvest Wits
Free State Stars 0-2 Chippa United
AmaZulu 1-0 Cape Town City
Sunday 10 February
Baroka FC 2-2 Bloemfontein Celtic
Golden Arrows 2-3 SuperSport United
