Kaizer Chiefs trip up Mamelodi and clear the path for Pirates’ title bid. The symbolic team of Matchday 27 in the Betway Premiership
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The South African Betway Premiership is heading into its final stretch. On May 5-6, all matches of the 27th matchday of the 2025/26 season took place.
On the opening day, the Buccaneers claimed an away win over Stellenbosch, while Orbit College celebrated victory over Magesi in a clash of underdogs. The match between Durban and Siwelele ended in a draw.
The remaining fixtures were played the following day, with four of them finishing all square. The only team to snatch three points was Sekhukhune, who beat Chippa United on the road. Special mention goes to the draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi, which has blown the title race wide open.
All results from matchday 27:
- Stellenbosch — Orlando Pirates — 0:2
- Siwelele — Durban City — 2:2
- Magesi — Orbit College — 1:2
- Chippa United — Sekhukhune — 1:3
- Richards Bay — Polokwane — 0:0
- Marumo Gallants — TS Galaxy — 1:1
- Mamelodi Sundowns — Kaizer Chiefs — 1:1
- AmaZulu — Golden Arrows — 1:1
Dailysports presents the symbolic team of matchday 27 in the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Sipho Chaine delivered a rock-solid performance, making two crucial saves—including stops from inside the box—and kept a clean sheet. His commanding presence in the air and involvement in building from the back underlined his importance in the victory. This was his 18th clean sheet of the season, tying the all-time record alongside Ronwen Williams.
Left-back: Seluleko Mahlambi (TS Galaxy)
Seluleko Mahlambi was a standout performer in the clash between Marumo Gallants and TS Galaxy, finding the net and bringing relentless attacking energy. The fullback fired four shots—two on target—won six of eight ground duels, and constantly pushed the ball forward with surging runs and pressure on the opposition's defense. Besides his goal, Mahlambi put in a huge shift off the ball, drawing six fouls.
Centre-back: Taariq Fielies (AmaZulu)
Taariq Fielies was the defensive anchor for his side against Golden Arrows. He racked up 23 defensive actions, including 16 clearances and four blocked shots, single-handedly keeping AmaZulu in the game during the most intense moments. On the ball, Fielies was equally impressive, completing 94% of his passes and losing possession only twice all match.
Centre-back: Aden McCarthy (Kaizer Chiefs)
Aden McCarthy was composed and commanding at the back against Mamelodi Sundowns, playing a key role for his team. He made 12 clearances, won all aerial and ground duels, and didn’t allow a single opponent to get past him one-on-one throughout the match. Despite constant pressure from Sundowns, McCarthy maintained his discipline and reliability for the full 90 minutes.
Right-back: Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Kamogelo Sebelebele delivered a powerhouse display down the right flank, becoming a defensive linchpin for the Pirates. He excelled in tackles (4 out of 5), won nine ground duels, and was constantly intercepting passes. Sebelebele’s dominant showing earned him the Man of the Match award.
Central midfielder: Olerato Mandi (Sekhukhune)
Olerato Mandi has played just nine matches this season, but already has three goals to his name. One of those came against Chippa United, where he registered four shots, two on target, and drove play forward all game. The midfielder stood out with his individual energy, two key passes, and constant attacking threat through dribbling.
Central midfielder: Flávio Silva (Kaizer Chiefs)
Kaizer Chiefs shocked everyone by taking points off Mamelodi, delivering a gift to their fierce rivals Orlando Pirates. One of the standout heroes was Flávio Silva, who scored and was deadly efficient in the final third. Despite limited touches, he converted his only shot on target. Off the ball, the Portuguese worked tirelessly, winning duels and pressing effectively—even with a modest pass completion rate.
Central midfielder: Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
Patrick Maswanganyi shone against Stellenbosch, scoring a goal and providing an assist while constantly creating danger in the final third. Though his dribbling wasn’t always flawless, his attacking influence and work rate with the ball easily earned him a place in this team of the week.
Left winger: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Oswin Appollis was a driving force for the Pirates’ attack against Stellenbosch FC, even though he didn’t register a goal or assist. He created a big chance, delivered a key pass, and kept the pressure on the flank with three successful dribbles and 27 ball carries. His attacking intent and five accurate crosses made him one of the most influential players on the pitch.
Right winger: Kobamelo Setlhodi (Orbit College)
Kobamelo Setlhodi put in a dazzling performance, notching two assists and orchestrating most of Orbit College’s attacks. He also provided a key pass and was a constant threat in the final third, making him a central figure in this vital victory in the relegation scrap.
Striker: Jean Lwamba (Durban City)
Jean Lwamba was the star of the show against Siwelele, netting a brace and firing three shots on target. His clinical finishing and knack for finding space in crucial moments—plus a run of four consecutive games with goals—make him an obvious pick for the team of the week.
Head coach: Khalil Ben Youssef (Kaizer Chiefs)
Khalil Ben Youssef’s men stood up to the reigning champions and handed Orlando Pirates a massive boost. The Amakhosi held Mamelodi to a draw, ramping up the title drama. The gap between Sundowns and the Buccaneers is just three points, but Sundowns have a game in hand. We’re on the cusp of a thrilling season finale—should both sides win their remaining fixtures, they’ll be level on points. For now, Pirates boast the better goal difference.
