Draw in the Soweto Derby and slip-up for Mamelodi. The symbolic team of Matchday 26 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The 26th round of the 2025/26 South African Betway Premiership has wrapped up, with all eight matches played between April 24 and 26. See all fixtures and results.
Remarkably, only two matches produced a winner, with AmaZulu and Polokwane each collecting all three points. The remaining six fixtures ended in draws. Notably, Mamelodi stumbled, while the Soweto Derby delivered a thrilling, high-scoring stalemate.
All matchday 26 results:
- Durban City — Orbit College — 1:1
- Golden Arrows — Siwelele — 0:0
- AmaZulu — Chippa United — 5:1
- Sekhukhune — Marumo Gallants — 1:1
- Polokwane — Stellenbosch — 1:0
- TS Galaxy — Magesi — 0:0
- Orlando Pirates — Kaizer Chiefs — 1:1
- Richards Bay — Mamelodi Sundowns — 0:0
Dailysports presents the Team of the Week for matchday 26 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)
In the Soweto Derby, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was one of the standout performers. He made 6 saves—5 of them from shots inside the box—repeatedly rescuing his team in tough moments. His reliable presence between the posts helped Chiefs avoid defeat, earning him a well-deserved place in the Team of the Week.
Left back: Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu)
Riaan Hanamub played the full 90 minutes against Chippa United and was a rock in AmaZulu's defense. He registered 8 defensive actions, won all 3 of his tackles, and prevailed in all 4 duels, locking down the left flank with authority. Besides his defensive duties, Hanamub contributed to building up play, helping his team transition quickly from defense to attack.
Centre back: Lehlegonolo Mokone (Magesi)
Lehlegonolo Mokone delivered a powerhouse performance, earning his spot in the Team of the Week. Over the 90 minutes, he made 14 defensive interventions, won 8 out of 10 aerial duels, and cleared the ball 10 times, expertly securing his zone. Mokone was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, reading the game well and neutralizing threats in the box. His dominance in the air and tireless work rate were crucial to the draw.
Centre back: Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso (Golden Arrows)
Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso put in a mature, well-rounded display, emerging as one of the most consistent players of the round. He finished with a 92% pass completion rate, 12 accurate long balls out of 14, and 9 crosses, constantly putting pressure on the opposition. The central defender also tallied 7 defensive actions and 5 recoveries. His high workload and ability to advance the ball made him a key figure in dictating his team's tempo.
Right back: Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Kamogelo Sebelebele shone brightly in the Soweto Derby (1:1), scoring his team’s only goal and constantly threatening up front. He fired 3 shots, 2 of them on target, and was heavily involved in combination play. Off the ball, Sebelebele worked tirelessly—4 successful tackles, 10 duels won, and 6 defensive actions made him one of the game’s key contributors.
Central midfielder: Manuel Kambala (Polokwane)
Manuel Kambala was the decisive figure in Polokwane's clash with Stellenbosch, netting the only—and match-winning—goal. He also played a creative role, delivering 3 key passes and driving the ball forward with 9 successful carries. Defensively, Kambala was vital as well: 3 successful tackles and 8 clearances rounded out a top-class display.
Central midfielder: Puleng Marema (Polokwane)
Puleng Marema was the ultimate super-sub, coming off the bench and making an immediate impact. In just 45 minutes, he provided an assist, created a clear-cut chance, and delivered 6 accurate crosses out of 6, constantly testing the opposition defense. His energy and vision accelerated the tempo for the hosts. Thanks to his sharpness, creativity, and quality in the final pass, Marema fully earned his place in the Team of the Week.
Central midfielder: Nqobeko Dlamini (Golden Arrows)
Nqobeko Dlamini delivered a calm, confident performance, anchoring Golden Arrows' midfield. He made 8 defensive interventions, won 6 out of 7 tackles, and prevailed in every duel, completely bossing his area. In addition to his defensive prowess, he was tidy in possession, completing 77% of his passes and connecting on 3 of 4 long balls.
Left winger: Thapelo Matlhoko (AmaZulu)
Thapelo Matlhoko came off the bench and made a lightning impact, notching a goal and an assist in just 28 minutes. He also created a big chance and registered a shot on target, instantly boosting AmaZulu's attacking threat. His short cameo was as effective as it gets—he constantly looked to penetrate, won duels, and kept the tempo high in the final third. His entrance was a key factor in AmaZulu's emphatic win over Chippa United.
Right winger: Athini Maqokolo (AmaZulu)
Athini Maqokolo was one of the round’s main stars, bagging a brace to power AmaZulu to a commanding victory. In 84 minutes, he took 6 shots—4 on target—and scored twice, constantly tormenting the opposition’s backline. Beyond his goals, Maqokolo was a driving force in attack (covering 120.9 meters with the ball) and was a force inside the box, winning 4 duels.
Centre forward: Jean Lwamba (Durban City)
Jean Lwamba once again spearheaded Durban City’s attack, scoring a goal and staying lively up front. In 72 minutes, he fired 4 shots on goal and won 13 duels (7 on the ground, 6 aerial), consistently putting the opposition defense under pressure and earning 4 fouls. Notably, the Botswana striker has now scored 3 goals in his last two matches.
Head coach: Arthur Zwane (AmaZulu)
AmaZulu capitalized on Sekhukhune’s slip to cement fourth place with just a few rounds left in the season. Despite conceding first, Zwane’s men regrouped and thrashed Chippa United. The coach’s substitutions turned the game on its head, helping his side to a resounding 5:1 win.
