It was a dull, freezing Wednesday night at various stadiums as the Betway Premiership produced a relatively low-scoring round, with Kaizer Chiefs returning to the top of the table after beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 at FNB Stadium.
The Amakhosi went into the encounter still smarting from their 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Golden Arrows, which ended their hopes of lifting the opening cup competition of the season.
But Chiefs responded in style, producing a much-improved performance to claim all three points and put themselves back on top of the league standings.
Chiefs 2-0 Sekhukhune United
Kaizer Chiefs had to be patient before finally breaking down a stubborn Sekhukhune United defence at FNB Stadium.
The visitors frustrated Amakhosi for long periods, but Chiefs continued to push forward in search of the breakthrough.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 83rd minute, when Mduduzi Shabalala found the back of the net to give Chiefs a 1-0 lead.
With Sekhukhune forced to chase the game, Chiefs took advantage of the spaces left at the back and added a second goal to seal a deserved 2-0 victory.
The win was particularly important for Amakhosi after their disappointing MTN8 exit and returned them to the summit as the early-season title race begins to take shape.
AmaZulu 1-1 Orlando Pirates
At the Kings Park Stadium in Durban, defending champions Orlando Pirates were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.
The Buccaneers started brightly and took the lead as early as the seventh minute through Tshepang Moremi.
Moremi reacted quickest after Yanela Mbuthuma’s first-time effort was parried by AmaZulu goalkeeper Wilfred Kouassi, calmly slotting the rebound into the net.
Pirates had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Mbuthuma seeing an effort cleared off the line and Ghampani Lungu also missing a good opportunity.
AmaZulu thought they had levelled through Mlondi Mbanjwa in the 34th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Replays subsequently suggested that Mbanjwa had been onside.
The home side eventually got their reward on the stroke of half-time when referee Luxolo Badi awarded AmaZulu a penalty after Kamogelo Sebelebele fouled Mbanjwa inside the box.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 1-1.
Neither side could find the winning goal after the break despite both teams pushing for the decisive strike, leaving Pirates with a point away from home.
For Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Pirates, the point maintains their unbeaten start to the league campaign after their opening victory and MTN8 quarter-final success.
Durban City 0-0 Golden Arrows
The Durban derby at the Chatsworth Stadium produced very little in front of goal as Durban City and Golden Arrows played to a goalless draw.
Both sides battled for control in the freezing conditions, but neither could find the quality needed in the final third to break the deadlock.
The 0-0 result means the points were shared in a match that produced no goals, leaving both teams with a single point from the encounter.
Golden Arrows came into the match full of confidence after eliminating Kaizer Chiefs from the MTN8, but they were unable to reproduce that attacking spark against their Durban rivals.
Milford FC 1-0 Siwelele
At the Richards Bay Stadium, newly promoted Milford FC celebrated their first Betway Premiership victory after edging Siwelele 1-0.
The result represents an important milestone for Milford as they continue their first season in South Africa’s top flight.
The newcomers showed resilience to protect their narrow advantage and hold on for a valuable three points against a Siwelele side that had started the campaign strongly.
The victory also gives Milford an early boost in their battle to establish themselves in the Premiership.
Chiefs set the early pace
With the second round of matches now completed, Kaizer Chiefs have moved back to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
The Soweto giants will be pleased with the response to their MTN8 disappointment, while defending champions Orlando Pirates had to settle for a point in Durban.
The early league table already promises an intriguing battle, with several clubs still within touching distance of the leaders.
The Wednesday fixtures may not have produced the goal feast witnessed in Tuesday night’s action, but Chiefs’ victory has ensured that the pressure at the top of the Betway Premiership is already beginning to build.