Sensational Mofokeng keeps Pirates' title chase alive. The symbolic team of Matchday 23 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
The South African Betway Premiership witnessed the action-packed 23rd round of the 2025/26 season. All fixtures were played between April 6 and 8.
The round kicked off with Kaizer Chiefs earning a win over Orbit College, while AmaZulu and Sekhukhune battled to a high-scoring draw. The following day, Richards Bay, Chippa United, and Mamelodi each secured narrow victories.
The league’s main underdog, Magesi, finally showed signs of life, clinching their first win in six months with a dominant home performance against Marumo Gallants. But the real highlight of the round was Orlando Pirates’ unstoppable attack—scoring 11 goals in their last two matches.
The round concluded with Polokwane snatching an away win over Nedbank Cup finalists TS Galaxy.
All results from matchday 23:
- AmaZulu — Sekhukhune — 2:2
- Orbit College — Kaizer Chiefs — 1:3
- Richards Bay — Stellenbosch — 2:1
- Orlando Pirates — Golden Arrows — 5:0
- Magesi — Marumo Gallants — 3:0
- Durban City — Mamelodi Sundowns — 0:1
- Chippa United — Siwelele — 1:0
- TS Galaxy — Polokwane — 1:2
Dailysports brings you the symbolic team of the week for matchday 23 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Dumsani Msibi (Chippa United)
Msibi seized his opportunity, confidently stepping in for Nigerian international Stanley Nwabali between the sticks for Chippa United. Against Siwelele, he pulled off several crucial saves that preserved his team’s slender lead. Commanding both on his line and with the ball at his feet, Msibi’s performance helped Chippa move five points clear of the relegation zone.
Right back: Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Sebelebele can look back on the Golden Arrows match with pride—just like the entire Pirates squad. The right back stood out with his defensive reliability and high-intensity duels. He won most of his battles, disrupted opposition attacks, and played a major role in his side’s dominant victory.
Centre back: Bright Ndlovu (Sekhukhune)
Ndlovu delivered another strong outing in the Betway Premiership, excelling not only defensively but also scoring his debut goal for Sekhukhune. His stats: four clearances, one successful tackle, and seven wins from ten duels. The highlight was his precise strike in the 77th minute, sealing the final scoreline.
Centre back: Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ndamane produced another assured display at the back, playing the full 90 minutes without a major error and emerging as a key figure for Sundowns. He was solid in duels, won every aerial contest, and boasted a high passing accuracy—crucial in Mamelodi’s narrow win over Durban City.
Left back: Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
The 25-year-old fullback reclaimed his starting spot after injury and delivered a standout performance against Orbit College. Cross blocked shots, impressed in tackles and duels, and frequently joined the attack. He also created a key chance, notching an assist to his name.
Central midfielder: Lebohang Maboe (Kaizer Chiefs)
Maboe played the full match against Orbit College, standing out in midfield with his precise passing, relentless dribbling, and forward thrusts. He won most of his duels, made a telling impact in Kaizer Chiefs’ victory, and was deservedly named man of the match.
Central midfielder: Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
The South African international impressed against Orbit College, firing four shots—one of which found the net. With this goal, Shabalala matched his career-best tally of four for the season.
Central midfielder: Juan Mutudza (Polokwane)
Mutudza made just his third appearance for Polokwane this season and only his second start. Against TS Galaxy, he notched a goal and an assist, emerging as the match’s main protagonist. The Zimbabwean also put in a shift defensively and caused problems up front, delivering Polokwane’s second win of 2026.
Left winger: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Mofokeng delivered a dazzling performance against Golden Arrows, emerging as one of the round’s standout stars with a brace and dynamic attacking play. His mobility, confident dribbling, and passing accuracy made him the driving force behind the rout. The Pirates’ sensation fired seven shots, nearly netting a hat-trick when the post denied him. He’s scored five goals in his last two appearances.
Right winger: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Appollis turned in a highly productive and energetic display against Golden Arrows, bagging a brace and constantly tormenting the opposition defense. His confident ball control and dribbling created numerous chances, making him a pivotal figure in Pirates’ emphatic win. His debut season with the Bucs is already shaping up to be the best of his Bafana Bafana career.
Centre forward: Lundi Mahala (Richards Bay)
Lundi Mahala was a constant threat against Stellenbosch, registering three shots and two on target. While he didn’t score, his offensive presence was felt throughout, and he even contributed defensively. The striker wasn’t afraid to take responsibility and could have easily found the net on another day.
Head coach: Abdeslam Ouaddou (Orlando Pirates)
Under Ouaddou, the Pirates continue to dazzle with their dynamic attacking football. This time, a sturdy Golden Arrows side was blown away by five goals. Before his arrival, Pirates were runners-up three seasons in a row, but with Ouaddou at the helm, they are locked in a thrilling title race with Mamelodi. The 48-year-old tactician has also unleashed the full potential of Mofokeng, who is transforming from a promising prospect into the Premiership’s brightest star.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
