Langelihle Phili recorded a hattrick in the DStv Diski Challenge as Stellenbosch routed TS Galaxy with a 5-1 scoreline at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, reclaiming the top spot from Kaizer Chiefs.

In a match that had a low start, the goals started flying in the 25^th minute through an own goal from Kutlwano Mokoena to Stellenbosch’s advantage. 

Mokoena failed to deal with a ball that fizzed across the box, and his touch sent it in the opposite direction of the keeper’s dive.

Stellies returned in quick succession through Phili a minute later. Catching Stellies in celebratory mode, Galaxy pulled one back in the next minute through Khumo Matlala, refusing to be bullied by the defending champions.

Despite the obvious effort by Galaxy to get back in the game, Stellies returned with a third goal early in the second half through Keanan Johannesen who worked his way around the keeper before tapping it home.

But Stellenbosch was not done, Phili returned for his second and third in the match, beating the keeper to the bottom corner and further extending their lead to 5-1.

Not far from them in the fourth position will be Orlando Pirates who edged Lamontville Golden Arrows with a solitary goal that came late in the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 77^th minute. Siphamandla Msezane stepped up to convert the set play and sent the keeper in the wrong direction.

In other games, Magesi shared the spoils with Chippa United in a four-goal thriller to maintain their positions in the table, while Mamelodi Sundowns and Royal AM were forfeited after Thwihli Thwahla were pulled out of the league following their failure to produce a squad because of the FIFA transfer ban. The action continues on Sunday at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.