AmaZulu FC ran riot with a thumping 5-1 victory over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership in Durban on Saturday to keep their top-three hopes alive, while Marumo Gallants scored at the death to steal a point against Sekhukhune United.
The KZN-based side collected crucial maximum points at Moses Mabhida Stadium with goals from Sphamandla Zikhali, Thapelo Mathloko, Thabiso Kutumela, and a brace from Athini Maqokolo. This came after Chippa drew first blood in the first half courtesy of Azola Matrose.
The impressive performance saw AmaZulu return to winning ways after suffering a 3-0 defeat against high-flying Orlando Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena last weekend.
The victory against the Chilli Boys saw Usuthu move to 42 points, having claimed 12 wins, six draws, and eight defeats in 26 league matches. They are now locked in a race with Kaizer Chiefs for a top-three finish to qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
AmaZulu currently sit fourth in the league table, four points adrift of Amakhosi, who have collected 46 points in 24 games. The Sandile Zungu-owned team will be looking for a strong finish to the campaign to overtake Chiefs in the race for continental football.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED SHARE SPOILS WITH MARUMO GALLANTS
In Polokwane, Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Gallants entered the fixture on the back of a turbulent period, which recently saw the club part ways with head coach Alexandre Lafitte. The French tactician had been at the helm since the start of the 2025/26 campaign but paid the price for a shaky run of form that left the club teetering near the drop zone.
The match itself was a cagey, tactical affair for much of the afternoon. Both Toaster Nsabata and Kagiso Mlambo produced fine saves to keep the game goalless for 75 minutes. The deadlock was finally broken when Tshepo Mokoena tapped in from close range, giving Babina Noko a late lead that seemed destined to secure all three points.
However, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa refused to buckle. In a dramatic finish, substitute Jaisen Clifford emerged as the hero in the 91st minute, slotting a composed right-footed shot into the bottom corner following an assist from goalkeeper Mlambo to rescue a vital point.
The stalemate sees Sekhukhune remain in 5th place with 39 points from 26 matches. For the Bloemfontein-based Gallants, the result provides a massive psychological boost; they move up to 14th on the log with 21 points [4 wins, 9 draws, 13 defeats] as they fight to preserve their top-flight status and distance themselves from the relegation scrap.
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