Mamelodi Sundowns back on top but Kaizer Chiefs come unstuck at Siwelele

Sundowns reclaim the league lead yet faced a tough challenge during a tricky evening, whereas Chiefs suffered their first defeat in eight matches (W5 D2), still positioning them for a third place finish.

Below are the key highlights from both encounters.

Allende strikes once more

Sundowns struggled for 60 minutes to overcome Polokwane, until Marcelo Allende eventually slotted the ball past the keeper.

Lebo Mothiba had just entered the pitch moments earlier when, facing away from goal near the penalty area edge, he laid it off for the Chilean playmaker to notch his fourth league strike this season, all occurring within the past two months.

Across his initial three years in South Africa, he managed two league goals per season, effectively doubling that tally this time around.

Oh Lebo

Sundowns earned a penalty in the 73rd minute, and there was a touch of irony involved. Khulumani Ndamane tumbled after what seemed like a high boot inside the box, although any contact appeared slight or nonexistent. He conceded a similar penalty against Stellenbosch FC the previous week.

Mothiba took the kick, opting for a Panenka style, but it lacked power, allowing Polokwane shot stopper Lindokuhle Mathebula to dive and recover in time to block it with his legs.

Mothiba has netted once this campaign, against Siwelele back in December. Simply aim to place the ball into the net without overcomplicating it. Polokwane might view it as fitting retribution, considering the penalty itself was questionable.

Potsane exacts revenge

Siwelele began strongly versus Chiefs, seeing a goal ruled out for offside before grabbing the opener in the seventh minute.

Chiefs custodian Brandon Petersen parried Manelisi Mazibukos first effort after the player found himself unmarked in the penalty area, then Tebogo Potsane converted the rebound from a narrow angle.

This proved a memorable strike for Potsane facing his former team where things had not gone smoothly across two spells. He departed at the seasons end and joined Siwelele soon after.

Jeza opens his account

The score reached 2-0 during the second halfs midpoint, a fair reflection of Siweleles dominance.

Chiefs lost the ball in central midfield, enabling Ghampani Lungu to advance on goal. He delivered a cross for Siphesihle Jeza to finish, marking the forwards debut professional goal in only his third top flight outing, executed with precision.

This marks the first occasion Siwelele have scored twice in a Betway Premiership fixture since the start of November.

What is the current standings situation?

Sundowns regain the summit of the Betway Premiership, leading second placed Orlando Pirates by two points, although the latter boast a much better goal difference. Each side has completed 26 fixtures.

Pirates will need to secure victories in their last four outings while hoping an opponent can draw with Sundowns. The Brazilians host Polokwane once again this Sunday before meeting Chiefs. Might Amakhosi provide their fierce rivals Pirates with significant assistance?

Chiefs hold a five point advantage over AmaZulu in third, with four matches remaining for both.