Kaizer Chiefs may have returned to winning ways, but Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over Golden Arrows means Amakhosi still have ground to make up in their pursuit of the early Betway Premiership leaders.
Chiefs produced a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, moving to third place with 11 points from five matches and maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Mfundo Vilakazi put Amakhosi ahead in the first half before Wandile Duba doubled their advantage after the break.
Siwelele fought back with Aphiwe Baliti’s two late goals to ensure a tense finish. Samukelo Xulu conceded an own goal to hand Chiefs maximum points.
Despite the late scare, Chiefs held on for three valuable points, a result that could prove significant as the early title race begins to take shape.
However, the Soweto giants could not close the gap on Sundowns, who strengthened their position at the summit with a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.
Siyanda Mthanti and Tebogo Mokoena scored for Sundowns while Junior Dion netted for Arrows.
The result leaves Sundowns top of the standings with 16 points from six matches, while Orlando Pirates occupy second place with 13 points from five games. Chiefs are third on 11 points.
That means Amakhosi are only two points behind Pirates, while Sundowns have opened up a five-point advantage over Chiefs.
The challenge for Chiefs is therefore clear: they need to build on Sunday’s victory and turn their unbeaten start into a sustained winning run if they are to keep pace with their Soweto rivals and the defending champions.
For Sundowns, Sunday’s victory was another demonstration of their consistency. They have won five of their six league matches and remain unbeaten, establishing themselves as the early team to beat.
Pirates, meanwhile, also remain unbeaten after five matches and have collected four victories, putting them firmly in the title picture.
Chiefs can take encouragement from the fact that the campaign is still in its early stages. Their three wins and two draws mean they have yet to taste defeat, and a strong run over the coming weeks could quickly bring them closer to the leaders.
The next test will come against Polokwane City on September 12, while Sundowns face Chippa United later that day.
With Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns separated by only a handful of points, the battle at the top is already developing into a fascinating three-way contest.
For Amakhosi, Sunday’s victory was more than just three points. It was a timely reminder that they remain firmly in the race, but now they must find the consistency required to turn that promise into a genuine title challenge.
