Appollis scores a sensational goal as the 'Buccaneers' charge to the top. The symbolic team of Matchday 13 in the Betway Premiership
The South African Betway Premiership has wrapped up the 13th round of the 2025/26 season. The matchday was stretched out over nearly a week due to some clubs’ involvement in continental tournaments.
On Saturday, November 22, AmaZulu edged past Siwelele, while Marumo and Sekhukhune couldn’t find a winner. Notably, Eric Tinkler’s side have now gone six matches without a victory.
Sunday saw Richards Bay and Durban City share the spoils, while TS Galaxy narrowly overcame Golden Arrows. On Tuesday, November 25, Orlando Pirates secured a win over Chippa United. The round concluded on Wednesday, November 26, with Stellenbosch snatching a dramatic win over Orbit College despite being down to ten men.
It’s also worth noting that the fixture between Polokwane and Mamelodi Sundowns has been postponed due to Sundowns’ CAF Champions League commitments. The Magesi vs Kaizer Chiefs match has also been rescheduled.
Dailysports brings you the symbolic Team of the Week for Matchday 13 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Ira Eliezer Tape (TS Galaxy)
The Ivorian shot-stopper is in his second season with TS Galaxy and has proven to be a reliable presence between the sticks. The team has been solid defensively, but Tape has only two clean sheets to his name. Against Golden Arrows, he conceded once but made five saves with an xGOT of 2.40, playing a pivotal role in his team’s victory.
Right back: Keenan Phillips (Golden Arrows)
Despite the “Arrows” falling to TS Galaxy, Phillips delivered a standout performance worthy of his highlight reel. He came on right after the break and netted his second goal of the season—remarkably, the 25-year-old had never scored more than once in a single campaign before.
Right centre-back: Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch)
After back-to-back defeats, Stellenbosch finally returned to winning ways. Remarkably, they were trailing Orbit College until the 89th minute and playing a man down. Steve Barker’s men not only equalized but snatched victory at the death. The decisive goal came from Mcaba—his first-ever senior goal.
Left centre-back: Terrence Mashego (Durban City)
A couple of years ago, Mashego was in the Bafana Bafana squad but found himself surplus to requirements at Mamelodi Sundowns. This summer, he moved on loan to Durban City, claiming the left-back spot as his own. Against Richards Bay, Mashego impressed with his interceptions, tackles, and attacking forays up the flank.
Left back: Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates)
The 35-year-old Namibian international returned to the Pirates’ starting lineup for the first time in three matches and put in a tireless shift. Hotto didn’t have much defensive work to do, but his attacking energy paid off in the 74th minute. He registered four key passes, fired shots on goal, and provided the assist for the opener.
Central midfielder: Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Against Chippa United, Makgopa started on the bench and was called upon midway through the second half when the Buccaneers were struggling to make a breakthrough. He injected fresh energy and became one of the catalysts for Orlando’s success, scoring the decisive winner in the 74th minute.
Central midfielder: Thato Khiba (Stellenbosch)
Khiba has become Stellenbosch’s super-sub in recent matches. In the CAF Confederation Cup, he came off the bench to provide a match-winning assist, and against Orbit College, he found the net himself. Khiba’s introduction midway through the second half proved crucial as his goal helped the team climb out of the relegation zone.
Central midfielder: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Appollis was also rested at the start and brought on when the threat of dropping points loomed large. The Pirates’ talisman added sharpness with his creative play, delivering two key passes and taking three shots in just half an hour. The crowning moment came with his stunning long-range strike into the top corner right before the final whistle.
Left winger: Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy)
At just 21, Dithejane starred for South Africa at the COSAFA Cup this summer and has continued to shine for TS Galaxy this club season. After netting a hat-trick against Chippa United and delivering several assists, he again stole the spotlight versus Golden Arrows—scoring in the first half and later providing a crucial assist before the final whistle.
Right winger: Athini Maqokola (AmaZulu)
Maqokola only recently broke into AmaZulu’s starting XI but has already proven his worth. He scored against Magesi in the Carling Knockout and helped defeat Chippa United. Against Siwelele, Maqokola dazzled in attack, and his brace propelled AmaZulu to fifth in the standings.
Centre-forward: Mbulelo Wagaba (Orbit College)
Wagaba returned to Orbit College and immediately secured a spot in the Premiership newcomers’ starting XI. Alongside Saleng, he’s been one of their main attacking threats, and his goal against Stellenbosch was already his third of the season. Wagaba nearly bagged a brace but squandered a golden chance. Overall, Mbulelo put in a strong display, but Orbit College’s late collapse cost them the win.
Head coach: Abdeslam Ouaddou (Orlando Pirates)
The Pirates’ unexpected CAF Champions League exit allowed them to focus on domestic competitions, giving their fans plenty to cheer about. With the MTN8 Cup already secured and a Carling Knockout final on the horizon, their league form has been equally impressive. Against Chippa United, Ouaddou’s timely substitutions guided Orlando to another victory. The Buccaneers not only have the meanest defense in the league but are tied for first with Mamelodi, having played one game less.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
