Betway Prem Wrap: Orlando Pirates miss chance to go top; AmaZulu stun Galaxy in late show

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Betway Prem Wrap: Orlando Pirates miss chance to go top; AmaZulu stun Galaxy in late show
Photo by Orlando Pirates

The Betway Premiership’s first full weekend of action in 2026 produced drama across the country. Orlando Pirates were denied the chance to reclaim top spot, while Chippa United, AmaZulu and Durban City all celebrated important victories that reshaped the standings.

Sundowns were on CAF Champions League duty where they were held to a 2-2 draw by Al Hilal of Sudan. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs will be buoyed by their CAF Confederation Cup success, after defeating ZESCO United of Zambia.

Friday, 23 January

The weekend opened at the Umhlathuze Stadium, where Richards Bay and Siwelele FC played out a 1-1 draw. Kgaogelo Sekgota, back in the fold for the team in green and white, struck in the opening minute to hand his side the lead. Richards Bay, however, clawed their way back just before halftime, with Moses Mthembu converting a penalty in injury time to ensure the spoils were shared.

Saturday, 24 January

At the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Sekhukhune United held Orlando Pirates to a goalless stalemate. The result proved costly for the Buccaneers, who missed the chance to leapfrog into first place. They remain level with champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 29 points, though Sundowns stay ahead courtesy of a superior goal difference (+15 to +13). Pirates, however, still have a game in hand.

Elsewhere, Chippa United secured their first victory under coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi, defeating Orbit College 1-0 at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. Justice Figuareido provided the decisive moment on the hour mark, lifting the Chilli Boys to 15th place. The result leaves them just one point behind the Mswenko Boyz, intensifying the relegation battle.

Sunday, 25 January

AmaZulu FC delivered the weekend’s standout performance, edging TS Galaxy 3-2 in a thrilling contest. The Rockets twice took the lead through Victor Letsoalo, who netted his 50th top-flight goal, and Junior Zindoga, who scored his first. Usuthu responded with resilience, as substitute Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored twice, including a dramatic injury-time winner, and set up Mondli Mbanjwa for the other goal. The victory marked AmaZulu’s fifth win in seven matches and lifted them to fourth place.

Durban City also enjoyed success, overcoming 10-man Polokwane City 1-0 at the Chatsworth Stadium. Bokang Mokwena’s 19th-minute strike proved decisive, securing the KwaZulu-Natal side’s seventh win of the season and propelling them into the top six.

Betway Prem Weekend Results

  • Richards Bay 1–1 Siwelele FC
  • Orbit College 0–1 Chippa United
  • Sekhukhune United 0–0 Orlando Pirates
  • AmaZulu FC 3–2 TS Galaxy
  • Durban City 1–0 Polokwane City

Upcoming Fixtures

The Premiership action resumes in midweek, with Sekhukhune United hosting Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday, 27 January, before Marumo Gallants face Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, 28 January.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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