The best goal of the season by Kaiser Chiefs winger Lilepo. The symbolic team of Matchday 16 in the Betway Premiership according to Dailysports
The South African Betway Premiership returned after the Africa Cup of Nations break with rescheduled matches from rounds 14 and 15, and this week almost all matchday 16 fixtures were played.
On Friday, January 23, Siwelele shared the points with Richards Bay, and the following day, Chippa United earned a long-awaited victory, beating Orbit College for the second time this season. Sekhukhune managed to halt Orlando Pirates on home turf, causing the Buccaneers to surrender their top spot to Mamelodi.
On Sunday, AmaZulu staged a dramatic finish against TS Galaxy, netting twice after the 89th minute to snatch a crucial 3-2 win. In another fixture, Durban City edged out Polokwane by the narrowest of margins.
On Wednesday, January 28, Kaizer Chiefs handled Marumo Gallants away from home, climbing to second place in the league standings.
The Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch match was postponed due to the latter's CAF Confederation Cup involvement, while Mamelodi had already beaten Magesi back in September as part of this round.
Dailysports presents the symbolic team of the week for matchday 16 of the South African Betway Premiership.
Goalkeeper: Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune)
Sekhukhune put up a fight against Orlando Pirates in round 16, keeping a clean sheet. A massive part of that result was down to goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who returned to the starting lineup at the start of the winter. The 27-year-old shot-stopper made five saves and commanded his box with authority. For his reliable performance, he was named man of the match.
Right-back: Boy John Madingwana (Chippa United)
Madingwana made his first start in a long while and delivered an outstanding performance. Chippa United deservedly picked up the win, with the right-back working tirelessly up and down his flank. He registered three shots on target, completed two successful dribbles, and won 67% of his duels.
Centre-back: Sammy Seabi (Chippa United)
Chippa United kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive time. The team beat Orbit College and climbed out of last place. Seabi played a vital role, making six clearances, two tackles, winning every aerial duel, and blocking a shot.
Centre-back: Bright Ndlovu (Sekhukhune)
Sekhukhune have faded compared to their strong start and have dropped to fifth in the table, but the team remains defensively solid, largely thanks to Ndlovu. Against the Pirates, he was strong in tackles, blocked shots, won aerial battles, and was pivotal in starting attacks from the back.
Left-back: Abbubaker Mobara (Chippa United)
The former Orlando Pirates defender joined Chippa United as a free agent from AmaZulu at the start of 2026. His debut for the new club was superb—Mobara was solid in tackles, blocked several shots, and took shots on goal himself, earning man of the match honors against Orbit College.
Central midfielder: Mondli Mbanjwa (AmaZulu)
Mbanjwa scored his first goal of the season and made a crucial impact. Coming off the bench late against TS Galaxy, he sparked his team's comeback. It was his goal that turned the tide of the match.
Central midfielder: Moses Mthembu (Richards Bay)
Mthembu is enjoying the best season of his career, setting a new personal best for goals. His penalty against Siwelele was his second of the season. He also worked tirelessly in defense and created attacking opportunities, earning man of the match honors from statistical outlets.
Central midfielder: Athini Maqokola (AmaZulu)
Maqokola delivered a standout performance against TS Galaxy, playing a pivotal role in the team's comeback. He regularly took responsibility on the ball, contributed defensively, and set up two goals with a pair of assists.
Left winger: Saziso Magawana (Durban City)
Magawana hasn't been prolific this season, but he occasionally puts in eye-catching displays. Against Polokwane, the 27-year-old was his team's biggest threat: dribbling past defenders, taking shots, and providing the assist for the winning goal.
Right winger: Makabi Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs)
Lilepo produced a stellar performance against Marumo Gallants, scoring the match-winner. He was relentless in his dribbling and direct in front of goal, earning man of the match. He had only scored once in the Premiership this season before, but this goal was absolutely vital and truly spectacular. The winger netted a stunning strike that is sure to be one of the best goals of the campaign.
Centre forward: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (AmaZulu)
The 23-year-old is in his debut season for AmaZulu but has already become a key figure. Coming on in the 69th minute against TS Galaxy, he bagged a brace to secure all three points for his team. He now has six goals this season.
Head coach: Arthur Zwane (AmaZulu)
Zwane has instilled an exciting, attack-minded philosophy at AmaZulu, with the team now firmly in the medal hunt despite conceding quite a few goals. Against TS Galaxy, the coach reacted swiftly to events on the pitch and used his substitutions to turn the match in his team's favor.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
