Sensational Pirates stumble and a gift for Mamelodi. The symbolic team of Matchday 24 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
The South African Betway Premiership is entering the home stretch. Nearly all matches of matchday 24 of the 2025/26 season were played between April 10 and 12.
Remarkably, four out of seven matches ended in a draw. Only Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune, and Golden Arrows managed to secure victories, but the biggest talking point of the round was the shocking slip-up by the Pirates, which could shatter their championship ambitions. With a rescheduled match against Stellenbosch, Mamelodi could extend their lead to four points with just six games left in the season.
All matchday 24 results:
- Richards Bay — Orlando Pirates — 2:2
- Siwelele — AmaZulu — 1:1
- Golden Arrows — Durban City — 1:0
- Sekhukhune — Magesi — 1:0
- Chippa United — Polokwane — 1:1
- Kaizer Chiefs — TS Galaxy — 2:0
- Marumo Gallants — Orbit College — 0:0
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stellenbosch match postponed to April 22
Dailysports brings you the symbolic team of matchday 24 in the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Ian Otieno (Richards Bay)
Ian Otieno delivered a standout performance, emerging as one of the key figures in the Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates showdown. He made 6 saves, including 3 from inside the box, repeatedly rescuing his team in high-pressure situations and keeping them in the contest. Thanks to his reflexes and reliability, Richards Bay FC managed to avoid defeat in an action-packed 2-2 draw.
Right-back: Tholo Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane)
The Bafana Bafana fullback put in a very active and energetic display, standing out as one of the most noticeable players on the pitch. He was crucial in duels, winning 7 of 10 ground duels and 4 of 5 aerial battles, as well as adding 3 successful tackles and 6 recoveries, constantly breaking up opposition attacks. Matuludi was also dynamic going forward, delivering 10 accurate crosses and winning a penalty, underlining his impact in the final third.
Centre-back: Ayanda Jiyane (Golden Arrows)
Ayanda Jiyane put in a composed and reliable defensive performance against Durban. He was particularly impressive in breaking up opposition attacks, tallying 14 defensive actions, including 10 clearances and 2 blocked shots, while winning 3 of 4 aerial duels, ensuring stability at the back throughout the match.
Centre-back: Abubaker Mobara (Chippa United)
Mobara produced a very assured and mature display against Polokwane. He was solid both defensively and in ball distribution: 63 accurate passes out of 75 highlighted his key role in building from the back. Notably, he made 7 clearances, 1 blocked shot, and a crucial goal-line clearance that proved vital in the match.
Left-back: Malebogo Modise (Chippa United)
Malebogo Modise delivered a vibrant and well-rounded performance, establishing himself as one of the key players on the pitch. He scored with his only shot on target, was constantly involved in attacking build-up, and remained active on the flank. He completed 84% of his passes, contributing to ball progression, while defensively he was rock-solid with 11 defensive actions, 3 interceptions, and 7 clearances.
Central midfielder: Flávio Silva (Kaizer Chiefs)
Flávio Silva was a major factor in the victory over TS Galaxy. The Portuguese midfielder notched a goal and kept the pressure on the opposition defense, firing off 3 shots and being heavily involved in finishing attacks. Besides his goal, he added a key pass and, despite limited touches, was extremely efficient in the final third, creating danger almost every time he got the ball.
Central midfielder: Vincent Pule (Siwelele)
Vincent Pule had a decisive impact on the result in the Siwelele vs AmaZulu match. The midfielder was a constant threat in attack, registering a shot on target and consistently applying pressure in the final third. He remained the link between the lines throughout, netting his fourth goal of the current campaign.
Central midfielder: Lindokuhle Zikhali (Richards Bay)
Richards Bay sensationally managed to halt Orlando Pirates, putting on a solid performance against the league's most dangerous attack. Zikhali was constantly involved at both ends, supporting play all over the field. He tallied 4 successful tackles, 5 interceptions, and 4 clearances, highlighting his defensive discipline and work rate off the ball. Zikhali was also confident in progressing play, adding 3 successful dribbles and scoring one of his team's goals.
Left winger: Makabi Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs)
In the clash against TS Galaxy, Lilepo found the net and was a constant threat around the opponent's box, firing 4 shots (2 on target) and being heavily involved in his team's attacking moves. Beyond his attacking contribution, he also put in the work defensively—winning all 3 ground duels, adding a tackle, an interception, and several recoveries, showcasing his intensity and versatility throughout the match.
Right winger: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Mofokeng once again showcased his quality, even though the Pirates failed to claim all three points. He registered an assist and created several dangerous moments, including a big chance and 6 key passes, constantly tearing through the opposition defense with his movement and dribbling. From the right flank, Mofokeng delivered 11 accurate crosses and kept the box under pressure, remaining his team's main creative outlet.
Centre forward: Bright Ndlovu (Sekhukhune)
Ndlovu scored for the second game running, helping Sekhukhune stay in the hunt for third place. He was a constant attacking threat, taking 4 shots and stretching the defense with his runs and off-the-ball movement. His dominance in duels stood out—winning all 7 of his aerial battles highlighted his physical presence. The 25-year-old netted the decisive goal in the 90+6th minute, pushing Magesi even closer to relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Head coach: Papi Zothwane (Richards Bay)
Richards Bay, with a slice of luck, took points off Orlando Pirates while playing as underdogs. The team willingly ceded possession, but the coach's tactical decisions helped them avoid defeat and trip up the Pirates in the title race. After the match, Zothwane admitted he was proud of his players, who nearly snatched victory despite the opponent's overwhelming advantage, conceding the equalizer in the 90+2nd minute.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
