This hard-fought win propelled AmaSwaiSwai to the third position in the league standings, and they are now eager to extend their winning streak to two matches when they clash with Chippa United on October 4.

On the other side, AmaZulu remained in eighth place in the standings after their impressive three-match unbeaten run came to a halt.

They are determined to return to their winning form when they face Chippa United on October 28.
In the early stages of the game, both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. However, Usuthu intensified their efforts just after the half-hour mark as halftime approached.

The deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of halftime when Ethan Brooks was given the space and time to unleash a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi with no chance. AmaZulu took a 1-0 lead into the interval.

Nevertheless, Usuthu’s hopes were dealt a significant blow 12 minutes into the second half when Abubeker Mobara received a straight red card, leaving coach Pablo Franco Martin’s side with only 10 players on the field.AmaSwaiSwai seized the opportunity presented by their numerical advantage over Usuthu.

Kwanda Mngonyama set up Tshegofatso Mabasa, who found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 with 19 minutes remaining.

The hosts continued to press for the winning goal, which they ultimately achieved in the 75th minute, thanks to another goal from Mabasa, completing his brace and sealing Swallows’ remarkable come-from-behind 2-1 victory.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm. Usuthu recently extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the local top-flight competition when they played to a goalless draw against Polokwane City on September 25, in an away fixture.

Currently, AmaZulu occupies the eighth position in the DStv Premiership standings, trailing fourth-placed SuperSport United by three points. Usuthu has their sights set on a top-four finish and will be aiming for victory to achieve that goal.

Franco Martin, the head coach of AmaZulu, shed light on the decision to have Ben Motshwari as an unused substitute in the Polokwane City match. He also hinted at the possibility of the midfielder featuring in the upcoming game against Swallows.

“His fitness level is inferior to the one that [Taariq] Fielies showed us in the previous training sessions,” said the coach.

“From there we were planning,” Franco Martin said. And I wished I could have given him some game time.

“Because we really wanted to help him get fitter and fitter. “But we couldn’t because of the situation of the game.

“And we thought it was not the right moment to risk him. Let’s see if in the next game he can get his game time because the same as I said with Fielies he is a player who is going to help us.”

Meanwhile, Swallows emerged as a 2-0 winners over Stellenbosch FC away on September 19 and the win saw the Soweto giants bounce back to winning ways in the league.

Amaswaiswai are currently occupying the sixth spot on the DStv Premiership standings – three points behind third-placed SuperSport, but the former have a better goal difference.

Steve Komphela, the Swallows head coach, expressed his delight after masterminding a win over Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.

“It was a nice match, but the highlight for me is keeping a clean sheet,” Komphela said.
“The goalkeepers, goalkeeping coach, and the entire technical team, they have been fighting hard that we need to keep a clean sheet. If you don’t concede you won’t lose a match.

“But above that scoring two goals, the weather was quite bad it was slippery. You learn that by bringing in the right type of equipment (players) we could have scored more goals. But we are delighted with the victory.”

AmaZulu will welcome back Mbongeni Gumede from suspension when they take on Swallows.

“Kamohelo has given his best at all times while a Chiefs player and, following consultation with his representatives, we decided to release him with a view to him finding more regular game time somewhere else. We appreciate his efforts and wish him all of the best for the future,” said the Club’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

The 25-year-old joined Amakhosi from Moroka Swallows in 2022 and featured only seven times.

Singida Fountain Gate FC were founded in 2010 and gained promotion to the Tanzanian Premier League 2022 after finishing as Second Division runners up.

In March this year, the 64-year-old left DStv Premiership side Swallows FC to join German side SV Meppen. After failing to save the team from getting relegated to the Regionaliga Nord, he resigned from his position.

The Tanzanian side confirmed that the appointment of the former Kaizer Chiefs.

Seema took over as The Chillies caretaker coach with four matches remaining and save the club from relegation.

In official statement released to the media, Chippa United said Mammila has been re-appointed. “We’re thrilled to appoint Morgan Mammila as our new head coach,” read the club statement.

“Mammila brings an abundance of experience and proven leadership to the role. We also confirm that Siyabulela Gwambi will maintain his post as first assistant coach. His unwavering dedication to the club is highly valued, and we trust in his abilities to continue our forward momentum.”

Mammila was sacked by Chippa United in February and replaced by Kurt Lenties. “The pursuit of top-eight positions and cup victories will be entrusted to the capable hands of our new head coach.

“As long as we maintain our status in the PSL, we trust in our team’s ability to deliver exceptional football. Looking ahead, we promise an exciting transfer window period with the signing of some notable players.

“We aim to strengthen our team and provide our supporters with thrilling matches to enjoy.”

LIFE CHALLENGE CUP
1971: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 2 (after extra time)
Replay: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 1

1972: Kaizer Chiefs 4 Zulu Royals 1
1973 Orlando Pirates 5 Zulu Royals 2
1974 Orlando Pirates 1 Amazulu 0
1975 Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (After Extra Time)

BENSON & HEDGES TROPHY
1976 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1977 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0

MAINSTAY CUP
1978 Wits University 3 Kaizer Chiefs 2
1979 Kaizer Chiefs 3 Highlands Park FC 3 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 2 Highlands 0
1980 Orlando Pirates 3 Moroka Swallows 2
1981 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 3 Pirates 1
1982 Kaizer Chiefs 2 African Wanders 1
1983 Moroka Swallows 1 Witbank Black Aces 0
1984 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1985 Bloemfontein Celtic 2 African Wanderers 1 (After Extra Time)
1986 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Jomo Cosmos 0 (After Extra Time)
1987 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Amazulu 0

BOB SAVE SUPER BOWL
1988 Orlando Pirates 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0 (aet)
Replay: Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
1989 Moroka Swallows 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (aet)
Replay: Moroka Swallows 5 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
1990 Jomos Cosmos 1 Amazulu 0
1991 Moroka Swallows 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (After Extra Time)
1992 Kaizer Chiefs 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (aet)
1993 Witabank Aces 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
1994 Vaal Professionals 1 QwaQwa Stars 0
1995 Cape Town Spurs 3 Pretoria City 2
1996 Orlando Pirates 1 Jomo Cosmos 0
1998 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time)
Replay: Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time, Sundowns wins 6-5 on penalties)
1999 Supersport United 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
2000 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2001 Santos 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2002 No competition

ABSA CUP
2003 Santos 2 Ajax Cape Town 0
2004 Moroka Swallows 3 Manning Rangers 1
2005 Supersport United 1 Wits University 0
2006 Kaizer Chiefs 0 Orlando Pirates 0
(After Extra Time, Chiefs win 5-3 on penalties)
2007 Ajax Cape Town 2 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

NEDBANK CUP
2008 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Mpumalanga Black Aces 0
2009 Moroka Swallows 1 University of Pretoria 0
2010 Bidvest Wits 3 Amazulu 0
2011 Orlando Pirates 3 Black Leopards 1
2012 Supersport United 2 Mamelod Sundowns 0
2013 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Supersport United 0
2014 Orlando Pirates 3 Bidvest Wits 1
2015 Mamelodi Sundowns 0 Ajax Cape Town 0
(aet, Sundowns win 4-3 on penalties)
2016 Supersport United 3 Orlando Pirates 2
2017 Supersport United 4 Orlando Pirates 1
2018 Maritzburg United 0 Free State Stars 1
2019 TS Galaxy 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
2020 Bloemfontein Celtic 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
2021 Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1 Chippa United 0
2022 Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Marumo Gallants 1

Mayo, who also finished the season as the joint-league top goal scorer for the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season, scored two goals and played a key role during this final month of the season as Cape Town City secured fourth place.

Swallows coach, Musa Nyatama, was also voted the coach of the month as he closed off a great 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.

The Swallows FC caretaker coach had a dream end to the league campaign at the club by saving the Soweto-based side from relegation and incredibly securing a Top 8 finishing on the last day, all of which took place in May.

In the process, Ntayama’s Swallows finished the month by winning all their fixtures and securing a solid 9 points out of 9.

This included away victories over Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM as well as Marumo Gallants at home.
Nyatama who starred and retired as a player for Swallows, becomes the first Swallows FC coach to win the award, after Brandon Truter two seasons ago.

For their recognition, Nyatama and Mayo will each receive a trophy and R7, 000 courtesy of league sponsors, DStv.

Khune was between the sticks for the first three matches of the year before he was relegated to the bench in favour of Brendan Petersen.

Petersen kept goals until he was suspended against Chippa United. “Khune did well [against Swallows],” said Zwane.

“He made some brilliant saves in the game but unfortunately, conceded two goals. They were not his fault. The defence should have done better. “Unfortunately, we didn’t defend properly. In fact, before they scored he made a great save. So, I think he did very well but, collectively as a team, we could have done better.”

With two matches before the end of the season, Amakhosi, occupy position four on the log – six points behind second-placed Orlando Pirates. “Obviously, it is bad,” Zwane adds.

“We gave away points in games that we shouldn’t have. This is one of those games. When you look back, we lost games that we shouldn’t have, when we were in control and created chances and then conceded goals.

“Then, it’s back to the drawing board again. Football is a game of mistakes that you always have to rectify, so we’ll go back to training and look at ourselves and see where we can improve and keep on working. We have a big game coming up and we want to go to the final, so we’ll concentrate on that for now and make sure we give our best in every game we play.”

Amakhosi’s next match is the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 6 May.

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

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