Pirates win as Wits and Sundowns drop points

The weekend’s Absa Premiership action saw Orlando Pirates benefit from dropped points for title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits, while Maritzburg United secured a much-needed victory in their quest to avoid relegation.

The Buccaneers are up to second on the log after they edged Golden Arrows 1-0 away from home on Saturday night, with Justin Shonga scoring the lone goal.

Mamelodi Sundowns are just one point ahead of Pirates after they could only draw 0-0 at home to Bloemfontein Celtic, while former leaders Bidvest Wits dropped to third after they succumbed 3-2 at home to Cape Town City.

[embed:video:id=1048714]

The Clever Boys led 2-0 at the break, but fell apart in the second half and the Citizens’ decisive goal was an absolute screamer direct from a free kick by Riyaad Norodien.

Also on Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over Highlands Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Free State Stars salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to Black Leopards thanks to a late equaliser from Eleazar Rodgers, while the round opened with Maritzburg United staging a late comeback to defeat provincial rivals AmaZulu 2-1 on Friday night.

Sunday’s games featured a brace for striker Mohammed Anas as Polokwane City claimed a 3-1 away win in their derby match against Baroka FC, while SuperSport United picked up a fourth win from their last five league matches when they triumphed 1-0 at Chippa United.

The Absa Premiership will continue with nine matches spread from 10 to 5 March.

RESULTS

Friday 1 March

Maritzburg United 2-1 AmaZulu

Saturday 2 March

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Bloemfontein Celtic
Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 Highlands Park
Free State Stars 2-2 Black Leopards
Bidvest Wits 2-3 Cape Town City
Golden Arrows 0-1 Orlando Pirates

Sunday 3 March

Baroka FC 1-3 Polokwane City
Chippa United 0-1 SuperSport United