Historic Pirates victory in the Soweto Derby. The symbolic team of Matchday 19 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
The South African Betway Premiership played host to the 19th round fixtures of the 2025/26 season. All eight matches took place between February 27 and March 1.
On the opening day, Magesi suffered defeat to Polokwane, continuing their dismal run. In another clash, Stellenbosch secured a home win over AmaZulu.
Saturday saw two goalless draws. Siwelele finally celebrated a victory, while the round’s marquee showdown witnessed Orlando Pirates demolish Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. Notably, for the first time in history, Pirates have now won five consecutive Soweto Derbies in the Betway Premiership.
The round 19 action concluded with another Durban win, lifting them to fourth place, and a triumph for Mamelodi Sundowns against Sekhukhune.
All round 19 results:
- Stellenbosch — AmaZulu — 1:0
- Magesi — Polokwane — 0:2
- Kaizer Chiefs — Orlando Pirates — 0:3
- Siwelele — TS Galaxy — 1:0
- Golden Arrows — Chippa United — 0:0
- Orbit College — Richards Bay — 0:0
- Mamelodi Sundowns — Sekhukhune 3:1
- Marumo Gallants — Durban City 0:1
Dailysports presents the team of the round for matchday 19 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Dumsani Msibi (Chippa United)
Chippa United have looked transformed since the start of 2026, steadily picking up points. Shot-stopper Msibi is on an incredible run of six consecutive clean sheets. Against Golden Arrows, he made five saves, securing a crucial point for his side.
Left-back: Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates)
The 35-year-old Hotto continues to showcase his high quality for Orlando Pirates. In the derby against Chiefs, he was tireless up and down the flank, providing the assist for the opening goal. Deon also excelled defensively, recording two tackles and four clearances.
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Centre-back: Abbubaker Mobara (Chippa United)
Since the new year, Mobara has cemented his place in Chippa United’s starting XI and played a key role in the team’s rapid rise. Not a single goal has been conceded by Chippa in matches when the 32-year-old is on the pitch—a telling statistic. Against Golden Arrows, he tallied three interceptions, four clearances, one tackle, and three blocked shots.
Centre-back: Siphamandla Ncanana (Durban City)
The Betway Premiership newcomers continue their steady, confident season and have surprisingly climbed to fourth in the table. Against Marumo, the defense was rock solid once more, with Ncanana playing a key role. The defender made three tackles, two interceptions, ten clearances, won 65% of his duels, and blocked a shot—an immense contribution to the win.
Right-back: Tholo Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane)
Matuludi was simply outstanding against Magesi, tirelessly patrolling the right flank. He impressed with his defensive reliability and was a real threat going forward. In addition to scoring a goal, he managed one shot on target, several successful dribbles, and one incisive pass.
Central midfielder: Marcelo Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Chilean midfielder found the net for the second match running, this time scoring against Sekhukhune in a vital clash for Sundowns. Allende was equally diligent in defense and fulfilled his duties superbly. Alongside his goal, he registered several attempts, a couple of crosses, and two key passes.
Central midfielder: Chibuike Ohizu (Siwelele)
The Nigerian, on loan at Siwelele from Sekhukhune, netted his first goal for his new club in the match against TS Galaxy, delivering a long-awaited victory. Ohizu entered the pitch in the 70th minute but still managed three shots, two dribbles, and won several defensive duels.
Central midfielder: Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Moremi delivered a superb performance against Kaizer Chiefs, featuring in his first Soweto Derby. The 25-year-old scored and provided an assist, playing a crucial role in the Pirates’ victory. Tshepang confidently carried the ball forward, fired four shots, and was named man of the match.
Left winger: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Since his move from Polokwane, Appollis has instantly become one of the Pirates' leaders and cemented his place with Bafana Bafana. Against Kaizer Chiefs, he was once again one of the most prominent players on the pitch. Appollis registered two key passes, two shots, and scored a goal.
Right winger: Devin Titus (Stellenbosch)
Titus is showing his best form for the second match in a row, helping Stellenbosch to yet another win. The 25-year-old was the liveliest player on the pitch, even if he didn't get on the scoresheet. Titus drove play forward, beat defenders, took five shots, missed a golden chance to score, and won a penalty that Jabar failed to convert.
Centre forward: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Miguel Cardoso made a game-changing substitution that tipped the scales for Sundowns against Sekhukhune. Rayners came on midway through the second half, and despite only touching the ball eight times, he scored twice and became the hero of the match. With eight goals, Rayners now sits second in the Golden Boot race.
Head coach: Abdeslam Ouaddou (Orlando Pirates)
Since Ouaddou's arrival, the Pirates have issued a genuine challenge to Mamelodi in this campaign. Orlando finished runners-up three times in a row, but could never truly threaten Sundowns, always trailing by at least 12 points. This season, the team is playing some great football, has won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cups, and boasts the best defense in the Betway Championship. With 12 matches left, Ouaddou’s men are joint top with Mamelodi, promising a thrilling season finale.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
