Ricardo Goss trips up the Pirates in the title race. The symbolic team of Matchday 21 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The South African Betway Premiership played host to the 21st round of the 2025/2026 season.
The action kicked off on Tuesday, March 10, as Mamelodi opened the round with a win over Orbit College. Interestingly, this match saw Monnapule Saleng make his debut in the Sundowns' starting lineup.
On Friday, March 13, Stellenbosch and TS Galaxy shared the spoils, while the bulk of the games took place the following day. Orlando Pirates unexpectedly dropped points against Siwelele, allowing Mamelodi to pull ahead. AmaZulu and Golden Arrows grabbed crucial wins, while two other fixtures ended in draws.
In the final match of the round, Kaizer Chiefs celebrated their first Betway Premiership win in a month and a half. The Amakhosi edged Durban City on home turf by the narrowest of margins.
All matchweek 21 results:
- Orbit College — Mamelodi Sundowns — 0:2
- Stellenbosch — TS Galaxy — 1:1
- Marumo Gallants — Golden Arrows — 1:2
- Orlando Pirates — Siwelele — 1:1
- Magesi — Chippa United — 2:2
- AmaZulu — Richards Bay — 2:1
- Sekhukhune United — Polokwane City — 0:0
- Kaizer Chiefs — Durban City — 1:0
Dailysports brings you the symbolic team of matchweek 21 in the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)
The 31-year-old Bafana Bafana shot-stopper was the standout hero in the clash between the Pirates and Siwelele, which ended in a surprising draw. Goss pulled off a staggering 11 saves, becoming the first goalkeeper in Betway Premiership history to reach that tally since such stats have been recorded.
Right-back: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
In the clash against Orbit College, Mudau was again a force charging forward in attack. He had little to do defensively, so aside from a routine yellow card, the right-back stood out with a key interception, a clearance, a decisive pass, and a created scoring chance. Notably, Mudau also won more than half of his duels.
Centre-back: Mosa Lebusa (Stellenbosch)
Stellenbosch are unbeaten in six straight matches when Lebusa is on the pitch. The veteran centre-back shut down TS Galaxy attacks time and again, fully earning his Man of the Match award. Lebusa racked up 2 tackles, 11 clearances, 3 recoveries, and 2 blocked shots. He also drew 4 fouls and won 14 out of 18 duels.
Centre-back: Zitha Kwinika (Kaizer Chiefs)
Kwinika put in a solid display against Durban, helping keep a clean sheet with his assured defending. The experienced defender contributed to build-up play, moving the ball out from the back, and was dominant in duels. He also registered 1 tackle and 5 clearances.
Left-back: Eroine Agnikoi (Marumo Gallants)
The 20-year-old Ivorian has cemented his place in Marumo's starting XI and is turning in impressive performances. One of those came against Golden Arrows, and even in defeat, Agnikoi made his mark. He scored his team's only goal and added 1 tackle, 2 interceptions, 5 clearances, and won 5 of 6 duels.
Central midfielder: Mcedi Vandala (Magesi)
Magesi are still showing signs of life despite anchoring the foot of the table. Against Chippa United, they fought back from the brink, and Vandala played a decisive role—not only netting a crucial goal but also causing all sorts of problems for the opposition. With 12 crosses, 6 shots, and a goal that pulled Magesi back into the game, he was the clear Man of the Match.
Central midfielder: Nuno Santos (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Portuguese midfielder is quietly becoming a key figure in Sundowns' midfield. Creative and efficient, Santos provided an assist for Reisinho, created two more big chances, delivered two incisive passes, and had two shots on target himself.
Left winger: Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Moremi put in another strong performance, yet the Pirates couldn't secure all three points. Despite their dominance, Tshepang's goal wasn't enough for the win. The Bafana Bafana winger had three shots, three key passes, and delivered four crosses into the box. Notably, this was his fourth goal (and tenth in all competitions) this Betway Premiership season—a personal best.
Right winger: Makabi Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs)
The Congolese winger delivered victory for Kaizer Chiefs after a string of disappointing results. Against Durban, Lilepo took the game into his own hands—shooting, driving the attack, and ultimately scoring the only goal. It's no surprise the stats portals named him Man of the Match.
Centre forward: Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Rayners found the net for Sundowns for the third match running, playing a decisive part in the win over Orbit College. Beyond his goal, the striker missed two more good chances, took defenders on, and was the engine of his team's attack—earning Man of the Match honours. With ten goals, he sits second in the golden boot race.
Centre forward: Junior Dion (Golden Arrows)
After a string of lacklustre outings, Junior Dion hit back with a brace. The Ivorian striker fired the Arrows to victory over Marumo and continues to carry his team in mid-table. Remarkably, he's scored 12 of the club's 26 Betway Premiership goals this season, keeping him atop the league's scoring charts.
Head coach: Lehlohonolo Seema (Siwelele)
After that sensational draw at Pirates, Seema, in our view, claims the coach of the week title for matchweek 21. Say what you will about Siwelele's pragmatic style and lack of firepower, but their defensive solidity is truly impressive. The team concedes far fewer goals than direct rivals, and in the Pirates clash, they capitalized on their lone chance while the defense only faltered once against the league's most potent attack.
