Pirates edge closer to the title after Mamelodi's shocking slip-up. The symbolic team of Matchday 29 in the Betway Premiership

The South African Betway Premiership is nearing its dramatic conclusion. With just one round left, for the first time in many years, we stand on the verge of a new champion.

The first shock of matchday 29 erupted right away, as Mamelodi unexpectedly lost away to TS Galaxy. Orlando Pirates also dropped points later, but a win in their final match will secure the title for Ouaddou’s men.

Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows both claimed away wins, while Siwelele and Stellenbosch triumphed at home over Magesi and Orbit College respectively. Two more games ended in draws—Richards Bay versus Sekhukhune, and Polokwane against Marumo—leaving both ties without a winner.

All results from matchday 29:

• TS Galaxy — Mamelodi Sundowns — 3:2
• Polokwane — Marumo Gallants — 1:1
• AmaZulu — Kaizer Chiefs — 0:1
• Chippa United — Golden Arrows — 0:2
• Orlando Pirates — Durban City — 0:0
• Richards Bay — Sekhukhune United — 1:1
• Stellenbosch — Orbit College — 2:0
• Siwelele— Magesi — 1:0

Dailysports presents the team of the week for matchday 29 of the South African Betway Premiership.

Goalkeeper: Ira Eliezer Tapé (TS Galaxy)

Ira Eliezer Tapé was one of the standout heroes in TS Galaxy’s sensational win over Mamelodi Sundowns, delivering a phenomenal performance between the posts. The keeper made six saves—five of them from inside the penalty area—and his +1.17 prevented goals stat highlights his decisive role in the team's success.

Left back: Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso (Golden Arrows)

Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso had a huge impact in the successful result against Chippa United, racking up a crucial assist and showing real attacking intent. The defender created a big chance, delivered an assist, put in two key crosses, and demonstrated composure on the ball, completing the match with 80% pass accuracy.

Centre back: Aden McCarthy (Kaizer Chiefs)

Aden McCarthy put in a rock-solid performance and was a linchpin in Kaizer Chiefs’ 1–0 victory over AmaZulu. He excelled off the ball, tallying eight clearances and nine defensive actions, and barely put a foot wrong in possession—boasting an impressive 96% passing accuracy.

Centre back: Siphamandla Ncanana (Durban City)

Siphamandla Ncanana emerged as a true leader at the back and played a massive role in keeping a clean sheet. The defender delivered a defensive masterclass, registering 27 actions—including 19 clearances, five successful tackles, and two blocked shots—while not allowing a single opponent to beat him one-on-one.

Right back: Yandisa Mfolozi (Siwelele)

Mfolozi was a defensive powerhouse. In the clash against Magesi, he recorded 11 defensive actions, won 7 of 8 ground duels, made five tackles and six clearances—proving to be a true wall in front of goal. Siwelele still hold a slim chance of reaching the MTN 8 Cup.

• Read also: Abdeslam Ouaddou explains what the altercation was between him and the Durban City bench

Central midfielder: Moses Mthembu (Richards Bay)

Moses Mthembu was a key figure in the Richards Bay – Sekhukhune (1:1) clash, showcasing versatility at both ends of the pitch. The midfielder created three key chances, completed 92% of his passes, and won 9 of 11 duels, while also pitching in defensively with three successful tackles and nine ball recoveries.

Central midfielder: Chumani Thembile Butsaka (Stellenbosch)

24-year-old Butsaka was the undisputed star in Stellenbosch’s 2–0 win over Orbit College, bagging a brace and single-handedly deciding the outcome. The attacking midfielder made the most of his chances, scoring twice from an xG of 1.13 and hitting the target with two of his three shots—proving pivotal to his team’s victory.

Central midfielder: Mpho Mvelase (TS Galaxy)

Mpho Mvelase was one of the chief architects behind TS Galaxy’s dazzling win over Mamelodi Sundowns, influencing the game at both ends. He scored a goal, created two big chances, delivered three key passes, and was relentless defensively with ten defensive actions.

Left winger: Sedwyn George (TS Galaxy)

Sedwyn George made a significant contribution to the win over the reigning champions, notching a crucial goal and showing real tenacity in duels against Mamelodi. Despite limited touches, he made the most of his opportunities, won ten duels, and injected vital intensity into the side’s attacking play.

• Read also: USM Alger win the CAF Confederation Cup

Right winger: Sede Junior Dion (Golden Arrows)

Sede Junior Dion struck again, showing his clinical edge in front of goal. The Golden Arrows striker took his chance, maintained 89% passing accuracy, and was a force in duels—winning eight. The 32-year-old forward, now on 14 goals, is edging closer to the Premiership top scorer title.

Centre forward: Brayan Léon (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Brayan Léon was arguably the only bright spot for Mamelodi. The team lost, but the Colombian netted a brace and provided a constant threat. The forward fired off six shots (four on target), scoring twice from an xG of 1.77, and was the focal point of his team’s attacks, despite a high number of turnovers and missed chances. Léon has already scored 15 times in just half a season with Sundowns!

Head coach: Bernard Parker (TS Galaxy)

Bernard Parker, who previously worked with TS Galaxy’s youth side, has only been in charge of the first team for a couple of matches, but he can already chalk up this stint as a success. The young coach masterminded a win over Mamelodi, handing Orlando Pirates a sensational shot at the title. There was certainly a bit of luck involved, but TS Galaxy fully deserved their three points.