Mamelodi Sundowns, also known as “The Brazilians,” continued their streak towards a sixth consecutive DStv Premiership title with a 1-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs on January 21st. The match, which was a night kick-off, featured a goal from Neo Maema in the first half. With this win, Sundowns set a new record for the most consecutive wins in the Premier Soccer League era with 12. This surpasses the previous record of 11 straight wins set by their 2006-07 team. Sundowns also opened a 17-point lead at the top of the league table.
On the other hand, this was the third straight loss for Kaizer Chiefs since the start of the year, leaving them in fifth place and 22 points behind Sundowns.
The other night game on January 21st ended in a 1-1 draw between AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants. The visitors took the lead with a goal from Joseph Molangoane. Still, AmaZulu was able to equalize with a goal from Sede Dion Jr. AmaZulu missed a penalty and remains in last place on the league table with a winless streak of six matches.
In the afternoon games, Maritzburg United secured a third straight win by defeating Golden Arrows 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium with a goal from Jose Ali Meza. The second afternoon game, played at the Chatsworth Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw between Royal AM and Chippa United. Royal AM took the lead with a goal from Motebang Sera, but Chippa United equalized late in the second half with a goal from Etiosa Ighodaro.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach, Arthur Zwane, has expressed his disappointment in his team’s loss against Mamelodi Sundowns on January 21st. Despite creating several chances, the team was unable to score and lost the match with a goal from Neo Maema in the first half.
This loss marks the third consecutive defeat for the team, and Zwane believes that poor decision-making in the final third and missed chances were the reasons for the loss. The defeat leaves the team in fifth place on the league standings and 22 points behind Sundowns, who set a new record for most consecutive wins in the PSL era.
Zwane, who is in his first coaching job in the PSL, is now facing pressure as the team’s chances of challenging for the league championship are fading. Next up for Kaizer Chiefs is a match against Royal AM on January 29th where they will be looking to secure their first-ever win against the team.
The DStv Premiership continues on January 22nd with two matches: Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay vs SuperSport United.
