DDC: Chiefs hold on to top spot after slender victory

TS Galaxy and Kaizer Chiefs players during the DDC clash

Kaizer Chiefs held on to top spot in the DDC league standings after their slender 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday, while Stellenbosch FC continued with their strong title contention.

Manqoba Ozoemena scored the only goal for the Phefeni Glamour Boys, securing their win in the match played at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, the venue for this weekendโ€™s reserve league festival.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch secured a 3-2 triumph over Richards Bay FC at the same venue on Saturday.

Chiefs remain at the summit of the table with 58 points after 24 games while Stellenbosch are second with 57 points after 25 matches.

Chiefs coach Dillon Sheppard says they welcome the pressure of being on top of the table as it gives them an opportunity to become champions if they continue to win their games.

โ€œThe pressure, you rather be in a position where you are in control. So, weโ€™re relying on ourselves to win games which gives us the control,โ€ said Sheppard, who was in charge as Vela Khumalo was on national duty with the SA Under-17.

โ€œWe control the process and we do well, if we continue to do that, winning games. We stay top of the league and that gives us a chance to be the champions.โ€

Stellenbosch coach Evangelos Vellios says it will be important to win their remaining three matches. However, he admitted that, as it stands, the title is in Amakhosiโ€™s hands.

โ€œIf we do our job and win our games, we are going to end with 60 plus points this season, which is usually enough to win the league,โ€ said Vellios.

โ€œObviously, if Kaizer Chiefs collect more [points] than us which they are [favourites] to do right now in the league, we can only celebrate them.

โ€œBut I will say no team deserves to lose the title but only one will win it.โ€

AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City players during the DDC clash
AmaZulu FC vs Cape Town City DDC – Picture courtesy of Asidlali/Facebook

In other matches, Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a dominant 4-0 victory over Chippa United at Lucas Moripe Stadium, securing their third consecutive win. The Brazilians maintained their third position in the league standings with 51 points from 25 matches.

Orlando Pirates edged Polokwane City FC 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, ending a winless run of two draws and a loss. The Sea Robbers climb to fourth place with 47 points from 26 matches.

FULL DDC RESULTS

SATURDAY

  • Richards Bay 2-3 Stellenbosch
  • Magesi 0-2 Sekhukhune United
  • SuperSport 3-5 Golden Arrows

SUNDAY

  • AmaZulu FC 1-1 Cape Town City
  • Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 Chippa United
  • Polokwane City 0-1 Orlando Pirates
  • TS Galaxy 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs

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