End in sight? Mamelodi Sundowns hit with surprise defeat against TS Galaxy while Orlando Pirates emerge as likely champions
Mamelodi Sundowns now depend on Orlando Pirates suffering unexpected setbacks in their remaining two fixtures, otherwise they will finish the campaign without claiming the league title for the first time since 2017.
TS Galaxy achieved their initial win under temporary manager Bernard Parker, breaking a 13 game drought without a league victory, thus confirming their place in top division football next term after distancing themselves from the drop zone.
Mamelodi Sundowns can now concentrate entirely on the CAF Champions League showdown with AS FAR, beginning with the first leg at home in Pretoria this Sunday.
Pirates hold the advantage
Mamelodi Sundowns have wrapped up their league fixtures and lead the Betway Premiership by three points, yet they have completed two more matches than runners up Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers boast a goal difference of +44 compared to Sundowns +36, meaning they realistically require only three additional points from their home encounter with Durban City this Saturday or their away game at Orbit College the week after.
It is certain that Pirates cannot secure the league title mathematically over the upcoming weekend, but barring a disastrous conclusion to their schedule, they will halt Sundowns eight year reign as title holders.
The Brazilians need to wish for Pirates to manage no better than two stalemates, or worse.
Galaxy find their form
TS Galaxy opened the scoring early via a spot kick following a challenge by Zuko Mdunyelwa on Seluleko Mahlambi. The defender had little to argue about, having clipped the midfielder from behind as he charged towards the penalty area.
Experienced striker Victor Letsoalo converted confidently from 12 yards, deceiving Mamelodi Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams with his direction.
This marked consecutive strikes for Letsoalo after his effort against Chippa United in the previous outing, bringing his total to seven goals across all competitions this season.
Vulnerable Sundowns defence
The score reached 2-0 after 18 minutes when Galaxy capitalised on a counter attack, and truthfully they earned it.
Mahlambi advanced through the centre and passed to Sedwyn George on the right edge of the area. His driven effort evaded Williams and found the bottom corner.
This represented the sixth goal Mamelodi Sundowns had shipped in just 78 minutes of action, counting their remarkable 7-4 triumph over Siwelele last Saturday, with their backline abruptly exposed.
Considering Mamelodi Sundowns have only allowed 21 league goals throughout the term, a third of their concessions this campaign occurred in their concluding two outings.
It was Georges debut strike for the team and his first since scoring for Royal AM versus Galaxy back in December 2024.
Sundowns fight back with rapid response
None other than Brayan Leon to rescue Mamelodi Sundowns, netting twice within two minutes.
Nuno Santos delivered an excellent cross from the right flank, and Leon leapt unchallenged to direct a header past the keeper, leaving the Galaxy defenders disorganised.
He soon followed up by burying a penalty after Mpho Mvelases handball inside the area, making it straightforward to score.
Leon has proven an excellent addition since arriving in January, reaching 15 goals in 24 outings across competitions. Include a few assists in his contributions as well.
As for the Assist King Santos, he has amassed 16 goal involvements in 34 matches, with 11 coming from setting up colleagues.
Strikingly, this was only the third occasion in 30 years of PSL history that Mamelodi Sundowns were level at 2-2 during halftime.
Galaxy regain control
The second period had barely begun when Galaxy restored their lead.
They seized the ball in the centre circle, allowing Sphesihle Maduna to sprint past the Mamelodi Sundowns rearguard.
He could have shot himself, yet chose to pass across for Mvelase to finish from close range, compensating for his earlier mistake that gifted the penalty.
The 37 year old Mvelase rarely finds the net, but credit to him for positioning himself forward and scoring for the first time since August.
This marks the initial instance in 18 years that Mamelodi Sundowns have leaked three or more goals in successive league matches, dating back to 2008.
Galaxy as Sundowns nemesis
TS Galaxy have posed problems for Mamelodi Sundowns lately, with the visitors now without a win in their past five trips to Mbombela D2 L3.
No rival has demonstrated such command at home against Mamelodi Sundowns over the previous ten years.
For whatever cause, Galaxy unsettle them, and after eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns from the Nedbank Cup via a 2-0 victory at home earlier this season, they confirmed it was no accident.