Kaizer Chiefs are out of the top six, while AmaZulu climbed out of the Betway Premiership relegation zone with a win over Richards Bay.
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Sekhukhune United
The defending champions took the lead when Sekhukhune defender Tresor Tshibwabwa turned the ball into his own net while Arthur Sales netted his first goal for Masandawana before Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net late on.
It took Sundowns 22 minutes to open the scoring when they found space down the left and Aubrey Modiba sent in a low cross that saw Tshibwabwa score an own goal going for sliding clearance.
The visitors were a threat on attack in the first half and Keletso Makgalwa had their best opportunity but was denied by Ronwen Williams.
The hosts were then awarded a penalty early in the second half when goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare was adjudged to have brought down Rayners inside the box with the contact looking minimal.
Brazilian forward Sales was given the responsibility and made no mistake from the spot to give Sundowns a two-goal cushion.
Williams was again called into action, making brilliant save from Vuyo Letlapa’s effort that looked destined for the back of the net.
Sundowns then completed the scoring for the contest in the 89th minute when Rayners remained composed just inside the box and curled a beauty into the top corner.
The victory moved Masandawana level on 21 points with the Buccaneers but the Soweto giants can take the outright lead again with a win or draw against Stellenbosch on Sunday.
Kaizer Chiefs 2-2 Royal AM
The result left Chiefs in sixth place on the league table with 11 points from seven matches, while Royal AM climbed to 10th with eight points from nine outings.
Chiefs made a dream start, taking the lead in just the fifth minute.
Gaston Sirino, pulling the strings in midfield, found Yusuf Maart, whose precise pass set up Ashley du Preez to open the scoring.
Then in the 13th minute, teenager Wandile Duba doubled the advantage, finishing off a pinpoint assist from Dillan Solomons, who was immediately forced off with a muscle injury.
The hosts dominated the first-half and created multiple opportunities to extend their lead.
Mduduzi Shabalala narrowly missed the target in the 12th minute, while Du Preez struck the upright in the 26th.
Maart squandered a golden chance just before half-time, his audacious chip landing on the roof of the net.
Despite their attacking dominance, Chiefs’ defence showed vulnerabilities. Brandon Petersen made critical saves in the 28th minute and injury time of the first half to preserve their lead.
Royal AM came out stronger in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 51st minute through Ayabulela Maxwele’s stunning long-range strike. Chiefs struggled to regain control, and their lack of composure in front of goal proved costly.
The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Levy Mashiane capitalised on poor defending, slipping past the Chiefs’ centre-backs to fire home the equaliser and secure a dramatic point for the visitors.
Chiefs were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses in a match they had firmly in their grasp.
Richards Bay 1-3 AmaZulu
AmaZulu delivered a commanding performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby, defeating Richards Bay 3-1 in the Betway Premiership on Saturday afternoon at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
The victory marked AmaZulu’s second successive win, lifting them to 13th place in the standings.
Rowan Human opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a well-executed finish, assisted by Tshepang Moremi, giving the Usuthu a 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, AmaZulu intensified their attack. Godspower Ighodaro doubled their advantage in the 66th minute with a controversial goal, followed three minutes later by Ethan Brooks, who capitalised on Richards Bay’s defensive lapses to make it 3-0.
Despite a spirited late effort, Richards Bay managed only a consolation goal, scored by Yanela Mbuthuma in stoppage time.
The Natal Rich Boys’ struggles continued, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table in 16th place.
Looking ahead, AmaZulu will face TS Galaxy away on 7 December, while Richards Bay host SuperSport United on 6 December, hoping to reverse their dismal form.
Chippa United 2-0 Magesi
Chippa United secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Magesi in their DStv Premiership clash at the Buffalo City Stadium, East London.
The win was powered by an impressive brace from Sanele Kwayiba, who found the net twice in the first half.
Kwayiba opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a composed finish, setting the tone for Chippa’s dominance. He doubled the lead in the 41st minute with another clinical effort, leaving Magesi’s defence unable to respond. Both goals demonstrated Chippa’s sharp attacking play and Kwayiba’s eye for goal.
Despite Magesi’s attempts to mount a comeback, Chippa’s defence, led by their experienced backline, held firm to secure a clean sheet.
Midfielder Andile Jali was notable for his leadership in midfield, although he received a yellow card in the second half for a robust challenge.
This result sees Chippa United building momentum in their league campaign, as they aim to climb the standings.