Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates Begin Betway Premiership with Victories

The first midweek block of the Betway Premiership matches for the 2024-25 season featured victorious starts for both reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns and their primary title contenders, Orlando Pirates. These two teams kicked off their campaigns with solid performances on home turf.

Mamelodi Sundowns, despite a difficult beginning to their domestic season with an elimination from the MTN8 by Stellenbosch FC, reaffirmed their status as favorites to capture the league title. They achieved a 2-0 victory against their Tshwane rivals, SuperSport United, at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday. The goals, scored midway through the second half, came courtesy of new signings Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Riberio.

In the most anticipated match on Wednesday, Orlando Pirates clinched a dramatic 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium. Chippa United took the lead through a goal by former Orlando Pirates player Andile Jali in the first half. However, the hosts equalized when Tshegofatso Magasa scored a penalty in injury time just before the half-time whistle. The match appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw until Monnapule Saleng scored in the second minute of injury time, securing a crucial victory for the team from Soweto.

On the same day, Sekhukhune United secured a 1-0 win over their Limpopo rivals, newly-promoted Magesi FC, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The victory was marked by a debut goal from Andy Boyeli. In another match, Golden Arrows achieved an unexpected 2-0 win against Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium, with second-half goals from Siyanda Mthanti and Lungeo Nguse securing the victory for Abafana Bes’thende.

The Betway Premiership will continue over the weekend with four matches scheduled for Saturday, 21 September: Golden Arrows will face Marumo Gallants, Magesi FC will take on Polokwane City, SuperSport United will compete against Royal AM, and Chippa United will host Richards Bay.