Orlando Pirates loanee Tshegofatso Mabasa netted a brace to hand Stellenbosch FC a 2-1 win over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership, while AmaZulu FC jumped to third position following a narrow 1-0 win over Polokwane City FC.
The highly-rated striker scored two first-half goals for Stellies as they fought to move out of the bottom half of the league table.
Stellenbosch welcomed Chippa at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday afternoon, seeking redemption after playing to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows in midweek. The Winelands-based side had an impressive start to the match against the Chilli Boys, imposing themselves in front of their home fans.
Stellenbosch were rewarded for their efforts after Mabasa scored two quick goals with the head to give his side a two-goal advantage going into the half-time.
Gavin Hunt’s charges held onto the slender 2-1 lead to collect maximum points against Chippa. Despite a late scare when former Pretoria Callies attacker Sinoxolo Kwayiba pulled one back from the penalty spot, Stellies did enough to secure the win. The victory moves the Cape Winelands side into eighth position on the log with 28 points from 22 matches.
However, the win was soured in the dying minutes when Wonderboy Makhubu was shown his second red card of the season, leaving Hunt with a selection headache for the next fixture.
AMAZULU FC EDGE POLOKWANE CITY FC
Meanwhile, in Polokwane, AmaZulu FC walked away with maximum points after a gritty 1-0 victory over Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Usuthu arrived in Limpopo determined to build on the momentum of last weekend’s 2-1 KZN Derby win over Richards Bay FC. That victory had reignited their ambitions for a top-three finish, and this latest result cements their status as genuine contenders.
Heading into the clash, AmaZulu boasted a solid record of 10 wins, five draws, and seven defeats—a run that has kept them firmly in the upper echelons of the table.
Head coach Arthur Zwane rewarded Thabiso Kutumela with a starting berth following his heroics against the Natal Rich Boyz, but it was a cagey affair for much of the afternoon.
After a scoreless first half with limited clear-cut opportunities, the game seemed destined for a draw. However, AmaZulu left it until the 87th minute to break the deadlock, with Thapelo Matlhoko firing home from close range after a pinpoint cross from Riaan Hanamub to snatch all three points.
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