by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Betway Premiership Tuesday wrap: Orlando Pirates stayed perfect, TS Galaxy edged a five-goal contest, and Siwelele fought back to deny Chippa United.
Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership action delivered a mix of control, chaos and late resistance as Orlando Pirates maintained their strong start, TS Galaxy climbed into the top eight with a dramatic win, and Siwelele FC came from behind to secure a point against Chippa United.
Pirates keep rolling at home
Reigning champions Orlando Pirates continued their impressive opening to the 2026/27 campaign with a measured 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Clear chances were limited for much of the contest, but Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis provided the cutting-edge Pirates needed. Radiopane had already struck the woodwork before opening the scoring 10 minutes before halftime, finishing sharply from a tight angle after a neat combination with Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Sekhukhune threatened briefly after the break when Mokibelo Ramabu headed narrowly wide from D’Angelo Kazeem’s cross, but Pirates punished their visitors’ moments after the hour mark. Radiopane broke into space and unselfishly squared for Appollis, who finished calmly despite defenders scrambling on the goal line.
The Soweto side controlled the closing stages and held firm under late pressure to preserve a clean sheet and reinforce their early-season momentum.
Galaxy edge Gallants in Rustenburg thriller
At the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, TS Galaxy survived a late scare to beat Marumo Gallants 3-2 in a five-goal contest that lifted the Rockets to eighth on the league table.
Gallants made a flying start when Msindisi Ndlovu fired them ahead in the fourth minute after being set up by Thabiso Mkhwanazi. Galaxy responded through in-form striker Victor Letsoalo in the 21st minute, his third goal in four matches, sending the sides into halftime level at 1-1.
The visitors took control after the restart. George put Galaxy 2-1 ahead in the 49th minute after capitalising on loose defending, before Letsoalo converted from the penalty spot on the hour mark to stretch the lead to 3-1.
Gallants refused to fold, and former Galaxy player Onke Moletshe pulled one back with 16 minutes remaining. The Rockets, however, withstood the late pressure to secure a hard-fought victory and move within two points of second-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Galaxy next visit Sekhukhune United on 5 September, while winless Gallants, still 15th, host Polokwane City on 4 September in search of their first victory of the season.
Siwelele fight back to frustrate Chippa
At the Free State Stadium, Siwelele FC and Chippa United remained winless after playing out a 1-1 draw, with the hosts left to rue missed chances after dominating large spells of the match.
Siwelele created the better openings in the first half, most notably in the 32nd minute when Vincent Pule was denied by Stanley Nwabali at the near post. Chippa struggled to test Samukelo Xulu before the interval but struck against the run of play soon after halftime.
Sammy Seabi released Azola Matrose in the 52nd minute, and the Chippa attacker cut inside from the right before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beyond Xulu to make it 1-0.
Siwelele increased the tempo and eventually found their reward in the 75th minute. Yandisa Mfolozi ran onto Relebogile Mokhuoane’s pass and finished first time, the ball bouncing beyond Nwabali and looping into the net.
The hosts looked likelier to find a winner, but Chippa held their shape to leave Bloemfontein with a point. Siwelele, placed 14th, next visit Kaizer Chiefs, while 12th-placed Chippa host Milford FC on the first weekend of September.
