Ashley Cupido opened the scoring for Spurs in the 16th minute, but a brace by second-half substitute Lungelo Nguse saw Arrows record their fourth win in six league matches.

Ashley Cupido scored the opening goal for Cape Town Spurs in the 16th minute. Golden Arrows midfielder Nduduzo Sibiya missed an early opportunity to score in the first minute of the match.

The Urban Warriors applied pressure and had slightly more possession after taking the lead. Golden Arrows equalized within the first 10 minutes of the second half, with Lungelo Nguse scoring from a corner situation.

Arrows increased the lead 10 minutes before the end of the match, once again with Nguse finding the back of the net.

Cape Town Spurs dominated possession and launched numerous attacks in the closing stages of the game but couldn’t find an equalizer.

Golden Arrows held on to secure a 2-1 victory at Athlone Stadium. The victory marked Golden Arrows’ fourth win in six league matches, while Cape Town Spurs suffered their sixth successive defeat in the DStv league.

The 40-year-old coach was in charge of Golden Arrows’ first five matches of the season alongside co-coach, Mabhuti Khenyeza before stepping.

Chippa United confirmed the news of Vilakazi’s appointment. “Mr Vilakazi is set to oversee the club’s development structures and senior team. His vast experience and deep expertise will play a crucial role in uplifting the performance levels of the club as a whole.

“He will work closely with the first team’s technical staff, offering support to our head coach. Having Mr Vilakazi with his calibre and experience join our club is indeed a proud moment for us. I am eagerly anticipating his contribution to our development structures and confident that his insights will immensely benefit our team,” Mpengesi said in a statement released by the club.

Chippa United are rooted at the bottom of the table and a win will at least guarantee them a place in the promotional PlayOffs.

“Maritzburg United draw against Mamelodi Sundowns doesn’t change anything for us. After our loss against TS Galaxy we were sure what is expected from us,” Seema said.

“I said to the players, the sooner we accept our situation, the better. We are still going to have to win our last game. I don’t want to say we are going to be safe [from relegation] we are clear that we want the PlayOffs spot.

“All the games are difficult; this game is not going to any different. Golden Arrows is a good team and they are on 37 points and want to consolidate the top eight. The good thing is, we don’t have to calculate, we know what we have to do. Players understand that we are expecting a very difficult game.”

Seema was appointed as the Chippa United replacing Kurt Lentjies who was moved to the DStv Diski Challenge team.

“If you we bring our A game, we concentrate and fight – we will get [the win],” adds Seema. There’s a lot at stake especially jobs, I can tell you that it’s difficult out there.

“I was telling the players that if you let this team go down, for some of you, it could be the last time you kick the ball. There are only 16 teams in the PSL and how many players are in the country.

“So ja, we know the importance of the game and we are not putting ourselves under pressure. I told the players to leave the pressure to me and they must make sure we do what we planned.”
By Zola Doda

Orlando Pirates played to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Royal AM at Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers were denied a goal scoring opportunity on the 17th minute when Kermit Erasmus’ shot was cleared off the goal line by Jabulani Ncobeni, who was starting his first game of the season.

Pirates took the lead eleven minutes into the second half when debutant, Relebohile Ratomo’s shot deflected off Elias Pelembe for an own goal.

Menzi Masuku made it 1-1 inside stoppage time to give to deny Orlando Pirates seventh consecutive win.

At Peter Mokaba Stadium, TS Galaxy’s Given Msimango stoppage time penalty denied Sekhukhune United three points. Chibuike Ohizu opened the scoring for the home side 18 minutes into the match.

Cape Town and Golden Arrows played to a 0-0 draw in the only match that failed to produce a goal.
In KZN, Chippa United came from 2-0 down to beat Richards Bay 3-2 in an entertaining match.

Richards Bay took a 2-0 lead thanks to Sakhile Hlongwa and Somila Ntsundwana’s goals. Etiosa Ighodaro made reduced the defeat before Aviwe Mqokozo scored a second half brace to secure three points for the visitors.

At Princess Magogo Stadium, Amazulu came from 2-0 to draw 2-2 with Mamelodi Sundowns. Bongani Zungu punished Usuthu defence when he scored the first goal of the match. Eight minutes after the interval, Peter Shalulile scored his 101 goal from Lebohang Maboe’s pass.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Ramahlwe Mphahlele made it 2-1 with a header denying Ronwen Williams a clean sheet. Junior Dion completed the comeback on the 84th minute with a well-taken strike to make the final score 2-2.

At Harry Gwala Stadium, Maritzburg United played to a 2-2 draw against Marumo Gallants in a relegation battle. Brandon Theron and Amadou Soukouna scored Maritzburg United’s goals with Ranga Chivaviro and Mpho Mvelase scoring for the visitors.

Mamelodi Sundowns came from behind to draw 1-1 with Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium. Ryan Moon scored the opening goal of the match midway through the first half. Sipho Mbule, who came on as a substitute for the injured Bongani Zungu, equalized on the 73rd minute.

“We played against a good opponent that fought,” said Mokwena. “The second half was braver and more aggressive – it was a personality and performance that I liked. But we can’t concede first against these teams because they play a little bit deeper and it’s harder to break them.

“But I’m proud of the boys and I’m proud of the second half performance. I’m proud of the kids, I’m proud of [Siyabonga] Mabena; [Sipho] Mbule did very well when he came on, Lebo [Maboe] also, Terrence [Mashego] fought.

“But we have to be better, we have to be stronger, we have to do the best that we can to win the matches.”

Before the match against Golden Arrows; Sundowns had back-to-back 0-0 draws against Cape Town City and Swallows. Mokwena says he is not concerned about breaking the 71 points record but will find solutions to the current situation.

“I’m paid to find solutions. I have to find a solution as to how we can turn things around. The good thing is we are not chasing that [71 points record], so it does not suffocate us and we keep going trying to be better in the next match.

“Today we had about 18 shots [on goal], in the second half we had six big chances in total – we only had one big chance in the first half. It was a big improvement in the second half.

“This is a team that has scored a lot goals and they have given me no reason to doubt them. All the games have been tough for the entire season. When we were winning, I said it’s the next game that we have to win because the next game is difficult, I still maintain that.

“It’s tough but we have to show up and fight in every single game. We have to play better and we will do that.”

By Zola Doda

Sundowns hosts Golden Arrows after playing two draws against Cape Town City and Swallows. “The team has gotten used to winning games, but in the last two games [against Cape Town City and Swallows] we didn’t win,” said Zungu.

“But there are positives because we didn’t concede. Yesterday we were working on how to score goals because that is something that is missing at the moment. Golden Arrows is a good team and they have been performing well recently – they won their last game and they have some good players.

“This is game that we want to win and bring back that winning mentality. We don’t want to relax just because we won the league already. We have gotten to used to winning game and after hopefully we will it.”

The 30-year-old player sustained a muscle strain injury during the Nedbank Cup match against Marumo Gallants in March. He came on as a substitute during the 0-0 draw against Swallows in Dobsonville Stadium.

“I want to be injury free and I’m grateful that I got an opportunity against Swallows. I got injured in the Nedbank Cup and it’s been a tough few weeks.

“But right now, I’m feeling good and feeling fit. Whenever the coach gives me a chance to play it’s my duty is to help the team as much as I can. We still have a long way – we have the Champions League and the Nedbank Cup and we still want to win games in the league.

“When you play for Sundowns, your season is long and we need everyone to perform to be at the highest level mentally and to be switched on all the time. We have a lot of quality in the team, anyone can play and make the team win.”
By Zola Doda

Sundowns played two goalless draws against Cape Town City and Swallows since winning the league and the Sundowns coach was happy with his team’s performance.

“Two draws in a row – we have no concerns,” said Mokwena. “I’m very proud of the effort from the players, the spirit in the squad and the recovering of the players [from injuries].

“It’s so nice to see [Bongani] Zungu and Gaston [Sirino] after such a long time on the pitch. Thapelo [Morena] also. We have to play these games and also make sure the squad is close to each other – I’m very proud of the players, it was a gallant effort.”

Mokwena was quick to dismiss talk that his team has lost aggression and intensity. “I don’t agree with that. These games are very difficult. They are difficult because in football you need a lot of conditions to have intensity. You need an opponent that is there as an aggressor.

“[Against Swallows] we played against an opponent that was sitting and holding on to a point at home.

“To have intensity you need a very good pitch so that the ball moves a little bit, but the pitch [against Swallows] was dry and bumpy. We were responsible for the tempo and did all we could. I think we won a lot duels. There will never be a game at Sundowns, that I’m in charge of, which has no aggression.”

Sundowns’ next match is away to Golden Arrows on Wednesday, 12 April.
By Zola Doda

Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows are lying on position 11 and twelve respectively on the log table, separated by goal difference. Babina Noko drew 1-1 against Chippa United in the last match while Golden Arrows beat Swallows FC. 1-0

“Preparations for Golden Arrows are going well considering that Arrows is an unpredictable team,” Mokotjo said. “They are busy on the pitch but it’s for us to be patient and to trust in what we are doing.

“We have to stay in the game for 90 minutes, whether we score first or concede. Whether things are good or tough – it’s important that we suffer together. If we suffer together, we will win the game because I believe we have more quality in this team.”

Since returning to the PSL, the 32-year-old player has played three league games and two Nedbank Cups. Despite the steady progress, the player says he is not yet satisfied with his progress.

“I think I will never be satisfied; things will never be perfect. The focus is for the club to create a good foundation for itself.

“I make an impact within that; we all have the same mindset when it comes to what we want to achieve. I’m a team player, I can’t do it alone, I need my teammates to achieve things.”

Sekhukhune United plays Golden Arrows on Sunday, 2 April and kick off is at 15h00.

The visitors almost scored in the opening minutes when Gabadinho Mhango’s powerful free struck the upright. But it was the home side who opened the scoring on the 20th minute through in-form striker, Iqraam Rayners, who scored his nineth goal since re-joining the team.

With less than 15 minutes remaining Devin Titus made it 2-0 to send Stellies to the seventh spot in the DStv Premiership table.

In another match played Dobsonville Stadium, Golden Arrows beat Swallows 1-0 thanks to Pule Mmodi’s goal.

Mmodi’s winning goal came on the 16th minute to move Abafana Bes’thende to 10th spot while Swallows are 14th.

South Africa – Premier Soccer League
Moroka Swallows 0
Golden Arrows 1 (Pule Mmodi 15)

Stellenbosch 2 (Iqraam Rayners 18 Devin Titus 76)
AmaZulu 0

Motsepe Foundation Championship Results
La Masia 0
Magesi FC 1 (Dimakatso Komape 52)

Platinum City Rovers 0
University of Pretoria 1

According to the statement released by the League, “the match which was originally scheduled to be played at TUT Stadium will now take place at FNB Stadium”.

“The date and kick-off will remain the same (Wednesday, 08 March 2023 at 19h30).

“The venue change was necessitated by the student protest action at the Tshwane University of Technology campus which began earlier this week.

“The PSL has also advised that spectators who had already purchased tickets for TUT Stadium will be able to use the same ticket at FNB Stadium,” read the statemen.

Dondol Stars beat Supersport United 2-1 in the round of 32 while Amazulu beat Tornado 3-2.

Nedbank Cup fixtures
Friday, 10 March 2023
Sekhukhune United vs Cape Town Spurs

Saturday, 11 March 2023
Chippa United vs Mpheni Home Defenders
Golden Arrows vs Royal AM
Orlando Pirates vs Venda Football Academy

Sunday, 12 March 2023
TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs vs Casric Stars