PSL Wrap: Winners And Losers From Weekend Matches
Orlando Pirates handed Kaizer Chiefs their heaviest Soweto Derby defeat in 25 years, cruising to a 3-0 victory in a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Despite both sides heading into the clash on the back of defeats, the historic encounter — one of South Africa’s most anticipated fixtures — delivered in emphatic fashion.
The win lifted Pirates to the summit of the Betway Premiership table with 41 points from 17 matches, moving them three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Weekend’s winners:
Pirates Gets 50 Wins In The Derby
It was the first time since 2001 that Pirates beat Chiefs 3-0 in a league derby — a match in which the late Lesley Manyathela scored twice and Benedict Vilakazi added the third.
Saturday’s triumph marked Pirates’ 50th win in the Soweto Derby, although they still trail Chiefs’ 75 victories in the fixture. Pirates have now scored 203 goals in the derby’s history, compared to Chiefs’ 233.
Pitso Dladla’s Magic Touch at Durban City
Durban City coach Pitso Dladla secured his third consecutive win as his side edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Impressively, since replacing Sinethemba Badela as caretaker coach, Dladla has yet to concede a goal. In fact, he has now won four matches in charge across two caretaker spells. In December last year, following Gavin Hunt’s departure, Dladla led City to a 3-0 victory over Orbit College — also without conceding.
The latest win moved newly promoted Durban City up to fourth place on 31 points after 19 matches. Despite operating on a modest budget, the club appears organised and clear in its approach.
Monnapule Saleng Makes Mamelodi Sundowns Debut
After much anticipation surrounding his January move from Orlando Pirates, Monnapule Saleng finally made his debut for Sundowns under coach Miguel Cardoso.
He came on in the 80th minute for Tashreeq Matthews with the score tied at 1-1 against Eric Tinkler’s side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Within a minute, Saleng made an impact, beating Daniel Cardoso for pace before delivering a pinpoint cross for Iqraam Rayners to score. Rayners went on to complete his brace as Sundowns secured a 3-1 victory — a result that appeared comfortable but was hard-earned.
The Weekend’s Losers
Bruce Bvuma’s Difficult Return
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma endured a tough afternoon in his first appearance of the season. He stepped in due to the absence of captain and first-choice goalkeeper Brandon Petersen for medical reasons.
Ironically, Bvuma’s last match had also been a Soweto Derby against Pirates over a year ago.
Midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi added to Bvuma’s misery with a cheeky Panenka penalty, leaving the goalkeeper on the ground as the ball floated into the net.
Alexandre Lafitte Suspended by Marumo Gallants
Marumo Gallants announced on Monday that coach Alexandre Lafitte had been suspended following the 1-0 defeat to Durban City.
Lafitte, appointed in June at the age of 28 as one of the youngest coaches in PSL history, did not address the media after Sunday’s loss.
Gallants have not won a league match since October against Chippa United and are currently on a seven-match losing streak in all competitions.
Ironically, Chippa United are their next opponents — adding further pressure to a club already battling for stability.
