Orlando Pirates have powered their way back to the summit of the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] log, delivering a stunning 5-1 thrashing to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday at the Tuks Stadium.
The clash between the league’s top two was expected to be a tight affair. Sundowns, who recently seized the lead after Pirates suffered a setback in their last fixture, were aiming to open up a three-point gap. The Buccaneers, however, had other ideas.
Pirates went into the halftime break trailing 1-0. But they returned to the pitch for the second half with a fierce demonstration of character and determination, unleashing an attacking blitz that saw them hammer five unanswered goals past their rivals. The decisive win reverses the recent shift in momentum and sends a clear statement to the rest of the league.
With this emphatic victory, Pirates jump back to first place with 22 points, creating a three-point cushion over second-placed Sundowns, who remain on 19 points.
As Sundowns dropped crucial points, the title race tightened further with Siwelele FC quietly advancing up the table. The Bloemfontein side secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Golden Arrows in another Saturday fixture.
The DDC log is now intensely competitive at the top. Siwelele have moved into third position, trailing Sundowns by just three points. The tightly packed top three ensures the championship race remains wide open.
KAIZER CHIEFS EXTEND SERIES OF DRAWS
Meanwhile, Chiefs have extended their run of stalemates after playing to a 1-1 draw against Durban City FC.
The Soweto giants have registered a fifth consecutive draw, completing a seven-game winless run. However, unlike the previous match week, a single point was not enough to promote them to a higher position.
The DDC defending champions have dropped one down, from ninth to position 10 on the log table.
In other fixtures, AmaZulu FC performed a perfect replica of their senior team’s league result. Like their seniors, the Usuthu Under-23’s smashed Chippa United 3-0. This result however did not affect Usuthu’s position as they remained in sixth place.
Other Results
Saturday
TS Galaxy Reserves 2-1 Sekhukhune Reserves
Marumo Gallants Reserves 0-3 Stellenbosch Reserves
Sunday
Polokwane City FC 1-1 Richards Bay Reserves
Orbit College 0-2 Magesi Reserves
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