Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates closed out the year 2024 with victories, strengthening their positions near the top of the DStv Premiership standings, exciting fans and setting the stage for the second half of the season.
On Saturday, Sundowns continued their dominance with a 2-0 win over Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium. Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring early, followed by Arthur Sales extending the lead. This win pushed Sundowns to the top of the league with six points to spare—a significant margin but not without pressure from their rivals.
Meanwhile, Pirates narrowed the gap with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Magesi FC, thanks to Relebohile Mofokeng’s skillful strike at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Soweto giants have now turned up the heat on Sundowns, stirring anticipation of fierce competition as the season progresses.
SuperSport United, aiming for the top four, faced disappointment, drawing 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC. Tashreeq Morris equalized after Jayden Adams opened the scoring for the visitors, leaving them to rue missed opportunities. The draw limited SuperSport’s climb up the standings, leaving them at the brink of the playoff race.
On the same day, Sekhukhune United celebrated their climb to fifth place with a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, courtesy of Keletso Makgalwa’s second-half goal. The match exemplified the tight race for playoff positions, with several clubs vying for spots as they inch closer to the midway mark of the season.
Kaizer Chiefs broke their three-match winless streak with a dramatic 1-0 win over Chippa United. Mduduzi Shabalala's spectacular solo effort just before the halftime whistle not only clinched the match but also marked Chiefs' first clean sheet of the season. Following this victory, the Amakhosi moved up to seventh place, showcasing their determination to regain form as they approach the season's second half.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed concerns over the pitch conditions at King Zwelithini Stadium after his team's match. He highlighted how poor pitch quality hampers the game, stating, “It was very difficult to play on dry pitch, and I think it’s important for the PSL to take action to water the pitch pre-game and during half-time.” His appeal for improving playing conditions aligns with concerns across the league about maintaining high standards for player performance and spectator enjoyment.
Cardoso, who is experiencing success since taking the helm at Sundowns, emphasized the rigorous nature of the league, describing it as “tough,” particularly due to the athletic demands placed on players during matches. His team’s continuous drive for results underlines the positive competitive spirit present within the PSL this season.
AmaZulu, aiming to move up from the mid-table, secured a 1-0 win against Cape Town City. Hendrick Ekstein's fourth goal of the season clinched the match for AmaZulu, reflecting their steady improvement and strategic maneuvers aimed at avoiding relegation as they situate themselves just above the drop zone.
TS Galaxy, under the guidance of new head coach Adnan Beganovic, delivered an impressive performance with a 3-1 victory over Royal AM. The goals from Dzenan Zajmovic and Victor Letsoalo gave Galaxy confidence as they search for consistent performances after their coach took over. This match reflects Galaxy's path toward revitalization as they aim for top-eight standing.
The weekend's results have painted a clearer picture of where teams stand as they head toward the mid-point of the season. The battle for the top spots remains intense, with the likes of Sundowns, Pirates, and Chiefs leading the charge. The exciting narrative surrounding this season will surely continue as matches draw closer, and teams either rise or fall amid the competitive pressures of the league.
Looking forward, as each team holds their focus tight on their respective playoff aspirations or survival strategies, every performance will be pivotal. The upcoming fixtures promise more drama and excitement, setting the stage for the next round of challenges.