Mofokeng and Appollis shine again as Pirates reclaim the top spot. The symbolic team of Matchday 25 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
Only five rounds remain in the 2025/26 South African Betway Premiership campaign. Matchday 25 wrapped up on April 19th, bringing a new leader to the top of the table.
Mamelodi Sundowns dispatched Chippa United earlier this month, while most of the other fixtures took place over the weekend. Stellenbosch proved stronger than Sekhukhune, and Golden Arrows snatched three points away against Orbit College.
The Pirates delivered another emphatic win, this time overwhelming AmaZulu. Waddou's men are back atop the standings, edging Mamelodi by two points, but the "Brazilians" have two games in hand. Polokwane snapped Kaizer Chiefs' winning streak, while Marumo and Siwelele played out a goalless draw. On Sunday, TS Galaxy fell to Richards Bay, and Magesi thrashed Durban City to climb off the foot of the table.
All matchday 25 results:
- Mamelodi Sundowns — Chippa United — 4:1
- Stellenbosch — Sekhukhune — 3:1
- Marumo Gallants — Siwelele — 0:0
- Orbit College — Golden Arrows — 1:2
- Orlando Pirates — AmaZulu — 3:0
- Polokwane — Kaizer Chiefs — 0:0
- TS Galaxy — Richards Bay — 0:1
- Magesi — Durban City — 5:2
Dailysports presents the team of the week for matchday 25 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Olwethu Mzimela (AmaZulu)
Some may be surprised to see a goalkeeper from a team that lost 3-0 in the team of the week, but Mzimela delivered a standout performance. The AmaZulu shot-stopper made 11 saves, 8 of them from inside the box. Without his efforts, the scoreline could have been downright embarrassing.
Left-back: Nkosikhona Ndaba (Orlando Pirates)
The Pirates' defender put in a near-flawless shift against AmaZulu, showcasing reliability and composure on the ball: 95% passing accuracy, 100% completion on long balls, and active ball progression. His defensive contribution (10 defensive actions, 4 successful tackles, 5 clearances) and an assist were crucial in Orlando's convincing 3-0 victory.
Centre-back: Siyabonga Nhlapo (Marumo Gallants)
Nhlapo was a rock at the back against Siwelele FC, tallying 11 defensive actions, including 7 clearances and dominant aerial play. He was composed in possession and played a key role in keeping a clean sheet in the Marumo Gallants' 0-0 draw, earning man-of-the-match plaudits across various statistical platforms.
Centre-back: Spiwe Msimango (Kaizer Chiefs)
Msimango is not a regular starter for the Chiefs, but whenever he gets the nod, he delivers at a high level. The Amakhosi couldn't extend their winning run, but Spiwe was a defensive stalwart: 12 successful actions, including 10 clearances and aerial dominance (7 aerial duels won).
Right-back: Kazie Godswill (Stellenbosch)
Kazie Godswill put in a commanding performance against Sekhukhune United, boasting 7 defensive actions, 4 clearances, 7 recoveries, and a 100% success rate in ground duels. He capped it off with a goal, making his contribution decisive in Stellenbosch's 3-1 win and earning a well-deserved spot in the team of the week.
Central midfielder: Kgothatso Mariba (Magesi)
Kgothatso Mariba was one of the main protagonists in the high-scoring clash with Durban City, notching a goal and an assist. His energy in ball progression and creative play, combined with his defensive work, powered Magesi to a resounding 5-2 victory. These were Mariba's first goal contributions for his new club.
- See also: Chaos before kick-off in the semi-final between OC Safi and USM Alger in the CAF Confederation Cup
Central midfielder: Genino Palace (Stellenbosch)
Genino Palace is enjoying a purple patch as his side fights for a top-eight finish. Against Sekhukhune, he scored again and was electric in attack—2 shots on target and 2 successful dribbles. His off-the-ball work (2 tackles, 6 recoveries) was also vital to the win. Notably, Palace has scored three times in his last four games, emerging as Stellenbosch's unsung hero.
Central midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Mofokeng is in sensational form, having recorded goal contributions in four consecutive matches—six goals in that span. Against AmaZulu, he notched both a goal and an assist, cementing his place in the top three for both goals and assists in the league. He also created six big chances, further confirming his status as the Betway Premiership's marquee star at this stage of the season.
Left winger: Mcedi Vandala (Magesi)
The 31-year-old dazzled against Durban City, bagging a brace and constantly threatening with his runs and dribbling (3 successful dribbles, 2 shots on target). Despite a few turnovers, his attacking sharpness and decisive goals were key to the win. Vandala opened the scoring and sealed the game, fully justifying his inclusion in the team of the week.
Right winger: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Along with Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis is a regular in our team of the week. The Bafana Bafana winger has been the revelation of the season, tormenting opposition defenses with his relentless attacking. His high activity (8 shots, 5 successful dribbles, over 300 meters of ball progression) yielded 2 big chances and 1 goal—his 11th across all competitions this season.
Centre forward: Sifiso Luthuli (Magesi)
Luthuli joined Magesi this past winter and immediately established himself as a starter. The striker, already off the mark with a goal, was the creative engine against Durban—3 assists, 3 successful dribbles, and constant activity in the final third. His finishing was sharp (4 shots on target from 5), and his relentless pressure on the opposition defense was instrumental, even if he didn't score himself.
Head coach: Allen Freese (Magesi)
Allen Freese was brought in two months ago to save Magesi from relegation. The 69-year-old replaced Maduka as head coach and has collected 9 points from 9 matches, making significant strides towards top-flight survival. The recent victory over Marumo boosted the squad's confidence, and last weekend they steamrolled a solid Durban City at home, delivering dynamic and entertaining football under Freese. As a result, Magesi not only climbed off the bottom but also escaped the drop zone—something that seemed nearly impossible just a few rounds ago.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
