Goalkeeper assist and another Mofokeng show. The symbolic team of Matchday 18 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
The South African Betway Premiership hosted the 18th round of the 2025/26 season. Most matches were played between February 13 and 15, with the final fixtures wrapping up on February 24.
Orlando Pirates brushed aside Marumo with ease, while Sekhukhune and Chippa United notched up yet more wins. Durban outclassed TS Galaxy, Junior Dion delivered the victory for Golden Arrows, and neither Polokwane nor Siwelele managed to find the net.
Mamelodi scored only once against AmaZulu, but that was enough to secure the win and keep Sundowns on top of the table, edging out Orlando Pirates on goal difference. In another twist, Kaizer Chiefs suffered a surprise defeat to Stellenbosch.
All results of the 18th round:
- Durban City — TS Galaxy — 2:0
- Magesi — Golden Arrows — 0:2
- Orlando Pirates — Marumo Gallants — 3:0
- Polokwane — Siwelele — 0:0
- Chippa United — Richards Bay — 3:0
- Sekhukhune — Orbit College — 2:0
- Kaizer Chiefs — Stellenbosch — 1:2
- AmaZulu — Mamelodi Sundowns — 0:1
Dailysports presents the symbolic team of the 18th round of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Darren Keet (Durban City)
The 36-year-old Durban City shot-stopper kept his tenth clean sheet of the season. Against TS Galaxy, he made four saves, but it was his all-round performance that stole the spotlight. Late in the match, Keet launched the ball to Sifumba, who sealed the win for his side, making Darren the first goalkeeper to record an assist in a Betway Premiership match since September 2024.
Left back: Khulekani Shezi (Golden Arrows)
Shezi played his first full match of the season and earned high praise for his performance against Magesi. His work rate up and down the flank was impressive. Khulekani excelled defensively with strong tackling and interceptions, and also created a dangerous chance at the other end.
Centre back: Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ndamane immediately became a key figure for Mamelodi after joining from TS Galaxy. The 22-year-old defender secured his place at the heart of the defence and delivered a commanding performance against AmaZulu. Ndamane was a force in duels, registering one interception and two clearances, adding two incisive passes, a shot on goal, and dribbled forward—earning him the Man of the Match award.
Centre back: Fezile Gcaba (Durban City)
Gcaba remains a cornerstone of Durban's defensive line. Earlier this season, he produced a hat-trick against Polokwane in the Carling Knockout, and against TS Galaxy he was a rock at the back. Nine clearances, two tackles, one interception, and a blocked shot saw him named Man of the Match.
Right back: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Bafana Bafana fullback once again showed his class against AmaZulu. Mudau was solid defensively (two interceptions and two tackles) and a constant threat going forward. Three key passes, a missed chance, and relentless attacking runs made him the standout player of the match.
Central midfielder: Devin Titus (Stellenbosch)
Compared to previous seasons, Titus's output has dipped, and Stellenbosch as a whole has struggled. Up against Kaizer Chiefs, they entered as underdogs but left Johannesburg with a heroic comeback win. Devin starred, scoring and setting up Phili—rightly earning Man of the Match honours.
Central midfielder: Marcelo Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Chilean came off the bench with just 15 minutes left, but that didn't stop him from scoring the game's only goal. Cardoso's men could've paid dearly for a slip-up, but Allende grabbed a crucial winner for Sundowns in the 84th minute. The midfielder almost had a brace, only to be denied by the post.
Central midfielder: Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
Maswanganyi continues to impress for the Buccaneers this season, turning in another stellar display. The 27-year-old midfielder wasn't afraid to take on defenders, threatened the goal, and played a major role in the win over Marumo. Maswanganyi found the net—his fifth Betway Premiership goal of the campaign.
Left winger: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Fresh from the Africa Cup of Nations, Mofokeng has hit a purple patch, scoring three times in five matches. The Pirates' talented winger tormented Marumo all game, delivering six key passes and creating three scoring chances. He bagged a goal and an assist, and was rightly named Man of the Match.
Right winger: Lehlogonolo Mojela (Sekhukhune)
Mojela played his first full match of the season for Sekhukhune, stepping in for the suspended Grobler. Coach Eric Tinkler’s decision proved spot on, as the former Stellenbosch striker bagged a brace, clinching victory and propelling Sekhukhune to third place for now.
Centre forward: Junior Dion (Golden Arrows)
Junior Dion finally broke his scoring drought, having not found the net since early November. Against Magesi, the Ivorian striker fired five shots and dominated aerial duels. With both goals for his team, he cemented his place as Betway Premiership’s top scorer with nine goals to his name.
Head coach: Gavin Hunt (Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup and have struggled for consistency in the Betway Premiership. The side rarely resembles last season’s version, but received a huge boost in their last outing. Hunt managed to turn the match against Kaizer Chiefs around with tactical switches and substitutions, leading Stellenbosch to a comeback win after a superb second half.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
