DStv Diski Challenge defending champions Kaizer Chiefs secured the Soweto Derby bragging rights, defeating rivals Orlando Pirates in a crucial DDC showdown at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
Meanwhile, the KZN Derby ended in a stalemate, with points shared between the coastal rivals, Golden Arrows and AmaZulu FC.
Log leaders Pirates suffered only their second defeat of the season, falling 2-0 to a resolute Chiefs side. While form is often ignored in derbies, the Buccaneers had entered the clash as clear favourites, boasting an impressive run of eight wins in their last ten matches.
However, Chiefs found motivation in their recent form, having finally broken a seven-game winless streak in their preceding fixture. The crucial derby victory not only delivered massive bragging rights but also propelled Amakhosi into the top six, marking maximum points collected from their last two outings.
Despite the setback, Pirates remain atop the DDC standings, though their five-point gap has now shrunk.
Challengers Mamelodi Sundowns capitalised on the slip-up, closing the gap on the leaders. Masandawana secured a comfortable 3-1 victory away against Stellenbosch FC at the Idas Valley Sports Ground on Saturday. The Pretoria giants successfully bounced back after dropping two points in a 1-1 stalemate with Magesi FC the previous weekend.
KZN DERBY ENDS IN STALEMATE: ARROWS AND AMAZULU SHARE THE SPOILS
On Saturday, the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont hosted KZN’s longest-lasting rivalry, which culminated in a 1-1 stalemate.
Hosts Golden Arrows were in search of their first victory in four games, having conceded seven goals in the process. On the other hand, AmaZulu FC were hoping to avoid a sixth defeat of the season.
Nevertheless, the two sides had to settle for a stalemate, with the outcome resulting in Usuthu dropping three positions from sixth to ninth. Arrows remained rooted at the bottom of the table with just two victories in the bag.
In other noticeable DDC developments, the Limpopo Derby between Polokwane City FC and Magesi FC was called off prematurely due to heavy rainfall at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
The match, which kicked off as scheduled on Sunday at 12:00, only managed to complete the first half before the severe weather rendered the pitch unplayable. The league is yet to announce future arrangements regarding the resumption or rescheduling of the fixture.
The Rest of The Saturday Results
TS Galaxy 2-0 Orbit College FC
Durban City 1-1 Chippa United
Marumo Gallants 1-2 Siwelele FC
Sunday Results
Richards Bay FC 1-2 Sekhukhune.
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