Betway Premiership: Drama at the top and bottom as league goes into final week

Stellenbosch up to third after beating SuperSport United

Stellenbosch took a giant step towards finishing third in the Betway Premiership after a 2-1 victory against SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium.

The home side took the lead after 15 minutes when Devin Titus found himself free on the right wing and sent in a low cross for Sanele Barns who slotted past goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Titus himself doubled the lead after 27 minutes after being beautifully picked out by Fawaaz Basadien, the forward showing good composure with the finish.

Matsatsantsa fought back early in the second half when Titus unfortunately put the ball in his own, but was not be as the hosts held on for the victory.

The three points mean Stellies are third, one point ahead of Sekhukhune United, with one game of the league campaign still remaining.

SuperSport, meanwhile, level on points with Cape Town City to see which team will play in the relegation playoffs.

Citizens secure vital win in relegation playoff fight

Cape Town City gave themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the relegation playoffs after a crucial 2-0 victory against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Darwin Gonzalez converted a penalty after 18 minutes to give the visitors the lead before Jaedin Rhodes sealed in the contest when finding the back of the net in the second half.

The victory means the Citizens remain in the relegation playoff position but are now level on points with SuperSport United, going into their final game of the season.

The Citizens final of the campaign will be Cape derby against Stellenbosch while SuperSport have two matches left to play, against Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay.

The defeat means Polokwane remain in seventh place in the standings but they are not yet guaranteed a spot in the top-eight as teams chase the final place.

Rise and Shine will end their Betway Premiership campaign next week when they travel to play Kaizer Chiefs.

READ MORE: Orlando Pirates held to a draw by stubborn TS Galaxy

Late drama as Chippa snatch draw against Gallants

In a pulsating Betway Premiership clash at Dr Molemela Stadium, Marumo Gallants and Chippa United battled to a 1-1 draw.

Gallants, under the guidance of Abdeslam Ouaddou, dominated early proceedings, while Thabo September's Chippa United showed resilience to salvage a point in dramatic fashion.

Gallants struck first in the 41st minute when Sekela Sithole fired home a close-range effort, assisted by the ever-dangerous Dino Ndlovu.

The hosts controlled the first half, registering four shots on goal to Chippa's solitary attempt.

It seemed Gallants were cruising to victory, but Chippa had other ideas.

In the 90th minute, Seun Ndlovu rose highest to head in a pinpoint delivery from Thabo Makhele off a set piece, stealing a point for the visitors.

The late equaliser sparked wild celebrations among Chippa's travelling supporters, while Gallants were left to rue missed opportunities.

Arrows face final-day relegation showdown after Richards Bay draw

Richards Bay drew 0-0 with Golden Arrows in their final home match of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.

The result extended The Natal Rich Boys' unbeaten home run to eight games, leaving them 11th on the table and still in the hunt for a top-eight finish heading into their final match against SuperSport United.

Arrows, on the other hand, extended their winless streak to seven matches to leave them sitting just one point above the drop zone. With their worst points tally since the 2013/14 relegation season, they face possible relegation if they lose against Sekhukhune United in next weekend's final fixture.

Saturday's match in Durban saw few clear-cut chances, with Richards Bay debutant Sbani Khumalo Mntungwa impressing early by denying Arrows a couple of opportunities in the first half. Gladwin Shitolo missed a golden chance to mark his 200th league appearance with a goal, while Sbonelo Cele fired a promising free kick over the bar early in the second half.

Despite a late push from Arrows and a last-minute free kick from Wandile Ngema that went wide, neither side could find the breakthrough. Both teams will now turn their attention to a decisive final weekend of the season.

READ MORE: Kaizer Chiefs' top-eight hopes slowly fading away after Sekhukhune draw