Stellenbosch edged AmaZulu FC 1-0 at Danie Craven Stadium, while Polokwane City beat Magesi FC 2-0 at Seshego Stadium.
Jabaar's Strike Seals Tight Win in Stellenbosch
Ibraheem Jabaar's 33rd-minute goal proved decisive as Stellenbosch defeated AmaZulu 1-0 at Danie Craven Stadium.
The home side started brightly. Devin Titus and Chumani Butsaka both threatened early, while Sage Stephens was called into action to deny Taariq Fielies from close range after a dangerous AmaZulu corner.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute. Jabaar found space in the box and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner to give Stellenbosch a deserved lead.
AmaZulu pushed for a response, winning several set-pieces, but Stephens remained alert. Just before half-time, the visitors introduced Hendrick Ekstein and Mondli Mbanjwa in search of more attacking intent.
The second half brought more drama. Taariq Fielies tested Stephens from distance, while Stellenbosch were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after Darren Johnson fouled Titus. Jabaar stepped up but fired his effort over the bar, missing the chance to double the lead.
AmaZulu nearly equalised when Athini Maqokola's header was saved, and late corners piled pressure on the hosts. However, disciplined defending and key saves from Stephens ensured Stellenbosch held firm through five minutes of added time to secure all three points.
Ramabu and Matuludi Fire Polokwane City to Derby Victory
Mokibelo Ramabu and Thabang Matuludi were on target as Polokwane City claimed a 2-0 win over Magesi at Seshego Stadium.
City began on the front foot, forcing Elvis Chipezeze into an early save from Ramabu's long-range effort. After sustained pressure, the breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. A cross into the box caused problems, and Ramabu reacted quickest to fire a right-footed shot into the top right corner from close range.
Magesi tried to respond before the break, with Samuel Darpoh going close from distance, but Polokwane carried their 1-0 lead into half-time.
The visitors continued to threaten after the restart. Magesi made several substitutions to inject energy, yet clear chances were limited as City controlled possession and looked dangerous on the break.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute. After a foul on the edge of the area, Matuludi stepped up and curled a superb free-kick into the top right corner to make it 2-0.
Magesi pushed late on, forcing saves from Lindokuhle Mathebula, but Polokwane City remained organised and saw out the closing stages comfortably to secure a well-earned away victory.
Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will look to tighten their grip on the Betway Premiership title race when they host third-placed Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon.
The league action heats up this weekend with eight teams fighting for points on different sides of the table, as some target the top eight and others avoid the drop.
This Saturday, the Soweto Derby promises to deliver one of the most exciting fixtures of the Betway Premiership season, with both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates battling for bragging rights—and potentially, the league title.
Another Friday night lights action in the Betway Premiership brings two exciting fixtures, which will see a Limpopo derby, while the battle of the provinces will feature Cape Town taking on KwaZulu-Natal.
