Milford widen gap over Kaizer Chiefs as AmaZulu pile pressure on Sundowns & Pirates

Sekhukhune United vs Milford FC

Milford FC maintained their Betway Premiership spot above Kaizer Chiefs following a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday. Winger Mvelo Zikakayo struck in the 24th minute the goal that handed Milford maximum points to remain fourth on the table and go four points ahead of Chiefs.

It was some recovery by the Stallions, who were knocked out of the Carling Knockout by Orlando Pirates in midweek after a 3-0 defeat. However, they are now on a five-match unbeaten run in the league after registering a second successive win.

The three points collected at home have now seen Milford extend their lead over Chiefs from a point to four. Saturday’s result ended Sekhukhune’s five-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, including three successive wins going into the Milford match. Babina Noko are sixth on the table. 

UNSTOPPABLE NGWENYA FIRES AMAZULU PAST ARROWS

At Princess Magogo Stadium, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya continued with his scintillating form this season with a goal that helped  AmaZulu FC to a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows FC in this KwaZulu-Natal debut. The Zimbabwe international hit the target in the 65th minute for his ninth league goal of the season and 11th goal in all competitions. 

Crucially for Usuthu, they remain third in the standings with three points fewer than second-placed Pirates. Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have four points more than AmaZulu.

The result was Mandla Ncikazi’s first defeat on his return to Arrows, who are now winless in six consecutive Betway Premiership games. The difficult run of form has left Abafana Bes’thende 10th in the title race. 

POLOKWANE CITY & TS GALAXY CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE

Meanwhile, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane City FC and TS Galaxy FC settled for a 0-0 draw as both sides continue to struggle in this campaign. Hosts Polokwane have now gone for eight straight league games without tasting victory to sit 11 on the table.

That extends their winless run to 10 games in all competitions to throw themselves into a desperate situation. After the draw, TS Galaxy have not recorded a victory in five league matches to settle 13th on the table, and the share of the spoils comes after elimination from the Carling Knockout by Chiefs in midweek.

CHIPPA EASE TRUTER’S WOES AFTER BEATING STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch winger Raoul Daniels vies for the ball against Chippa United's Imraan Jones
Raoul Daniels and Imraan Jones: Picture by Stellenbosch FC

Chippa United posted their second league win of the season after beating Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium. Former Sundowns defender Harold Majadibodu struck 27 minutes into the match before Imraan Jones doubled the Chilli Boys’ advantage with seven minutes remaining.

It was a crucial victory for Chippa, who were fresh from the Carling Knockout exit after being beaten 4-0 by Arrows. For coach Brandon Truter, his future at the club could be secure for now despite a league campaign affected by five draws and two defeats to sit on seventh on the table.

Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch are a run below with a point less than the Chilli Boys. 

KRUGER CONDEMN RICHARDS BAY 

Kruger United won their second successive Betway Premiership match after overpowering Richards Bay FC 3-1 at Mbombela Stadium. Wonderboy Makhubu thrust the Village Boys as early as three minutes into the contest, before Ebrahim Seedat added from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. 

Luyanda Khumalo’s strike six minutes before halftime handed Richards Bay hopes of a comeback, but Mlungisi Zwane’s stoppage-time goal deflated the Natal Rich Boyz. After collecting maximum points, Kruger are in ninth position as they keep their top-eight chances alive in their debut campaign in the top-flight league.

Richards Bay, on the other hand, remain stranded at the bottom of the table after five successive league defeats and are also yet to win this season.

RELATED STORY: Pirates beat Chiefs to go top: Nine key takeaways

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