Sundowns Level With Pirates After Crucial Diski Challenge Win
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday to draw level on points with Orlando Pirates in the DStv Diski Challenge title race.
Following this important victory, Sundowns remained in second place on the log with 54 points after 24 matches. The Brazilians are level with Pirates, who hold a superior goal difference and still have two games in hand.
Sundowns appeared set to take the top spot, but the Buccaneers were awarded three points and three goals this week after Polokwane City were found guilty of fielding two ineligible players in their match against Pirates on 25 October 2025.
The Brazilians secured the win through goals from Bennet Mokoena and Oarabile Booysen, who found the net in the first and second halves, respectively.
Mokoena’s strike marked his 20th goal of the season, and with six league matches remaining, the 18-year-old is now closing in on Boitumelo Radiopane’s record of 25 goals in a single Diski Challenge campaign.
Sundowns included three first-team players in their lineup – Thato Sibiya, Malibongwe Khoza, and Kutlwano Letlhaku. However, Khoza’s involvement was cut short after he received a straight red card during the match.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Siwelele suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium. Meanwhile, Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
The reserve league action continues on Sunday with five fixtures lined up. Log leaders Pirates will face Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium.
Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs are set to host Magesi at Dobsonville Stadium, while AmaZulu will travel to face Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
In other matches, Richards Bay will host TS Galaxy at Princess Magogo Stadium, while Stellenbosch will take on Chippa United at Idas Valley Stadium to round off the day’s action.
