By: Mpho Sekharume

South Africa's Betway Premiership delivered a blend of mixed results this week with Free State outfits succumbing to defeats, while Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a goalless draw in a tightly contested fixture out at Soccer City

In the biggest encounter of the 2025/26 season so far, Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns played to a tense and tactical 0-0 draw at the FNB Stadium. Both teams preserved their unbeaten status, with Chiefs dropping points for the first time this season.

‘Amakhosi’ started the game with intent, employing a relentless high press that denied Sundowns time on the ball and created several early opportunities. Wandile Duba was at the forefront of the Chiefs attack, forcing a great save from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a header in the 11th minute.

Downs' trademark possession-based football was disrupted, although they did have their moments in the match. Tashreeq Matthews poked a ball over the crossbar early on, while Teboho Mokoena's shot from range forced a superb diving save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

The second half was a story of continued defensive solidity from both sides. Kaizer Chiefs looked the more likely to break the deadlock and often had ‘Bafana Ba Style’ on the back foot, but they ultimately fell short in the final third.

Although Sundowns maintained possession of the ball for the most part of the match, Chiefs enjoyed more goalscoring opportunities despite the Sundowns defence remaining resolute.

The match ended in a stalemate, a result that highlights the defensive improvements for Amakhosi, who have now kept five consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the 2019/20 season. The draw means both teams remain unbeaten, but Chiefs will feel they had the better of the chances on the night.

In another midweek fixture, TS Galaxy showcased a commanding performance against Siwelele FC, controlling the game from the opening whistle to ultimately secure a 2-0 win. The Rockets were relentless from the start, forcing an immediate clearance from Siwelele goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa within the first ten seconds of kick-off.

The early pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Seluleko Mahlambi headed in a well-executed corner set piece to give Galaxy a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued into the second half, with Mahlambi doubling the lead in the 46th minute after initiating a blistering counterattack from his own half, which ended with him receiving an assist to net his second goal.

Galaxy’s dominance continued throughout the second half. Siwelele goal stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa was called upon to make a handful of impressive saves on several occasions as the hosts sought a third goal. Mahlambi himself came agonizingly close to scoring, when his diving header flew past Mbanjwa, but ended up going wide.

The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline, with the Bloemfontein side slipping to 12th on the premiership log. The match was indeed a fair reflection of TS Galaxy's superior performance and clinical finishing, with Mahlambi’s brace enough to set to the side apart.

At the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch FC battled to a vital 1-0 home victory over the visiting Marumo Gallants, thus securing their first win of the season. The match began as a cagey affair, with both teams sizing each other up.

While Gallants had the better of the attacking chances in the first half, it was Stellenbosch who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Andre de Jong’s powerful header rattled the crossbar in the 24th minute.

The game's single goal came immediately after the restart. Halftime substitute Langelihle Phili made an immediate impact as he found the back of the net in the 46th minute to give the Maroons a crucial lead. The goal sparked the game into life, and both sides traded blows in an entertaining football showcase.

Gallants’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi was kept busy with calls that demanded crucial saves. Stellenbosch held on for the narrow victory. This marked a second consecutive loss for Gallants, who are now 8th on the log and will be in search of redemption when they host Polokwane City at the Dr. Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein this coming Sunday.

Other results saw Golden arrows beat Magesi 2-1 at the king Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, while Richards Bay edged Chippa United with a 1-0 win at the Princess Magogo Stadium – also in Durban. United remain the only team in the current campaign that is yet to register a win, leaving them with a single point from the latter fixture with the Natal Rich Boys.

Meanwhile, Polokwane City and Durban city played to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Sekhukhune United dropping their first points this season after playing to a one-all stalemate with Amazulu to, nonetheless, remain at the summit of the log with 10 points after the fourth round of fixtures.

Chiefs and Sundowns are in second and third respectively.