A new star in Phili Langelihle and another slip-up by Mamelodi. The symbolic team of Matchday 15 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
On December 2-3, the South African Betway Premiership held its matchday 15, the final round before the break for the Africa Cup of Nations.
On Tuesday, AmaZulu snatched a victory over Golden Arrows, propelling them to fourth place in the standings. The next day, Chippa United took points from Kaizer Chiefs, while Sekhukhune celebrated their first win since September, defeating Magesi away from home.
Stellenbosch lost at home to Polokwane, while Durban City cruised to a commanding away victory over Orbit College. The climax of the matchday was the unexpected stumble by Mamelodi Sundowns in their clash against Siwelele.
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The matches TS Galaxy vs Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates vs Richards Bay have been postponed due to the upcoming Carling Knockout final between Marumo and the Pirates, which is set for December 6.
Dailysports presents the symbolic team of matchday 15 in the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Dumsani Msibi (Chippa United)
Msibi has seamlessly stepped in for Chippa United’s Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In his last two outings, Msibi has managed to keep clean sheets, and in the clash with Kaizer Chiefs, his heroics secured a draw for his side. With five saves and several confident interventions, he was the undisputed man of the match.
Left back: Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu)
The 30-year-old Namibian international put in a superb shift against Golden Arrows. Hanamub was rock solid in defence, winning nearly all his duels. Early in the second half, he stunned the opposition with a spectacular long-range strike—the only goal of the match.
Centre back: Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune)
The talented defender delivered another solid performance for Sekhukhune, proving a reliable anchor at the back. Letlapa was sharp in winning back possession, claimed around 60% of his duels, made two clearances, and blocked a shot. He also contributed with a cross into the box, a shot on goal, and several successful dribbles.
Centre back: Keanu Cupido (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The 27-year-old has cemented his place in the Brazilians’ starting lineup, earning praise for his dependable displays. Against Siwelele, he couldn’t keep a clean sheet, but Cupido defended resolutely, excelled in duels, and even threatened the opposition’s goal. Notably, he racked up 110 touches (the match’s highest) and delivered a remarkable 92% pass completion.
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Right back: Tholo Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Matuludi once again earns his place in our team of the week thanks to his standout performance against Stellenbosch. The Bafana Bafana defender put in a massive shift, playing a crucial role in Polokwane’s victory. Matuludi made two tackles, six clearances, won 65% of his duels, and blocked a shot.
Central midfielder: Thabo Nodada (Durban City)
Nodada spent years with Cape Town City before moving to Durban this summer. He’s not yet an undisputed starter for the Betway Premiership newcomers, but when he’s on the pitch, he makes a difference. Against Orbit College, Nodada was the linchpin in midfield and coolly converted a penalty at the end of the first half, setting the demolition in motion.
Central midfielder: Haashim Domingo (Durban City)
Like Nodada, Domingo switched from Cape Town City to Durban. The midfielder has made a huge impact at his new club, already racking up two goals and two assists. Against Orbit College, he entered the fray at 2-0 and sealed the win with a long-range strike in stoppage time.
Central midfielder: Vincent Pule (Siwelele)
The former Bidvest and Orlando Pirates star, now 33, continues to perform at a high level and remains a key figure for Siwelele. In the match against Mamelodi, his goal helped his side snatch a point from the champions. Remarkably, this was Pule’s first goal since August, when he helped Siwelele defeat Golden Arrows.
Left winger: Phili Langelihle (Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch are struggling to juggle continental and domestic campaigns. While they top their CAF Confederation Cup group, their league form has faltered. A rare bright spot has been 20-year-old Langelihle, who has already scored seven goals this season. His strike against Polokwane couldn’t prevent defeat, but Phili now sits fourth in the Premiership goalscoring charts.
Let’s add that in the spring the forward won the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with the South African national team, and in October he reached the round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Right winger: Vusimuzi Mncube (Sekhukhune)
After a bright start, Sekhukhune’s form dipped dramatically and they went six games without a win before facing Magesi. During this spell, Mncube managed just one assist, but in the latest game he netted the winning goal. Intriguingly, this was his third goal of the season—his best tally ever in the South African Betway Premiership.
Centre forward: Lebo Mothiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Mothiba rarely features for Mamelodi and is yet to start a match. Cardoso threw him on in the 72nd minute, and moments later the striker equalised, rescuing a point for his side. In stoppage time, Mothiba could have snatched victory for Sundowns, but missed the target from a promising position.
Head coach: Arthur Zwane (AmaZulu)
The former Kaizer Chiefs star is making waves as head coach of AmaZulu. Under Arthur Zwane’s pragmatic leadership, AmaZulu may not be dazzling, but they are consistently grinding out results. The win over Golden Arrows vaulted them to fourth—a superb outcome for the club. Zwane’s tactical flexibility is paying dividends over the long haul.
