Weekend Wrap: Saleng Shines as Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs Make Headlines

The weekend provided plenty of action across South African football, with Monnapule Saleng’s return, dramatic moments at Lucas Moripe Stadium, and mixed results for the country’s top clubs in domestic and continental competitions.

Pirates Off to Flying Start

Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Lesotho’s Lioli FC in the first leg of the preliminary round at Toyota Stadium on Saturday. The first half remained goalless, but Tshegofatso Mabasa scored twice in the second half, and Oswin Appollis added a third, with Tshepang Moremi assisting the latter after coming off the bench. The return leg at Orlando Stadium is expected to be a formality for the Soweto giants.

Sundowns Close in on Undefeated Sekhukhune

Mamelodi Sundowns returned to the top of the Betway Premiership table with a 3-1 win over Durban City at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Joslin Kamatuka put Durban City ahead in the 13th minute, but Sundowns responded quickly through Marcello Allende, assisted by Tashreeq Matthews. Iqraam Rayners doubled the lead after a solo run, and Kutlwano Letlhaku set up the third goal, finished by Rayners following a defensive turnover. Sundowns survived a late penalty, with Ronwen Williams saving Kamatuka’s effort to secure all three points.

Chiefs Struggle Post-Nabi

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Angolan side Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup. Amakhosi lacked head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is reportedly set to leave the club amid internal disagreements. Chiefs created chances but struggled to cope with Kabuscorp’s physicality. The decisive goal came from a header after a ball was floated into the box, leaving Chiefs with a difficult task of overturning the deficit in the return leg at FNB Stadium.

Saleng’s Stunning Return

Monnapule Saleng starred for Orbit College FC in their 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at Olympia Park. Returning to the starting lineup, Saleng assisted Thuso Moleleki’s opener before Christopher Sithole levelled for the visitors. The performance marks a strong response following recent criticism from his coach, Pogiso Makhoye, and Saleng will look to maintain his form in upcoming matches.

Chippa United Dramatic Victory

Chippa United secured a last-minute 2-1 win over Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Ayabulela Konqobe opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Lebohang Nkaki converted a penalty for Polokwane City just before halftime. Thabang Matuludi scored a stoppage-time header to claim victory, sparking intense celebrations on the bench. Head coach Luc Eymael raised concerns about the officiating, particularly regarding the penalty decision.

The weekend highlighted key performances and ongoing challenges for top South African clubs, with Sundowns consolidating their league lead, Pirates starting their continental campaign strongly, Chiefs facing hurdles in Angola, and Saleng making a memorable return to action.