Mamelodi Sundowns Drop Points Against Siwelele As Orlando Pirates Retain Top Spot
- Mamelodi Sundowns have failed to regain top spot on the Betway Premiership table as they drop crucial points against Siwelele FC on Wednesday evening
- The defending champions had the chance to topple Orlando Pirates in the league standings, but Miguel Cardoso's side failed to take the opportunity
- Lebo Mothiba saved Mamelodi Sundowns' blushes as they could have lost more points as they continue to battle Pirates for the league title this season
Mamelodi Sundowns and Siwelele played out a 1–1 stalemate in their Betway Premiership encounter at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Source: Twitter
The draw means Orlando Pirates would retain the top spot on the Betway Premiership table with one game in hand as they will be taking part in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The Sea Robbers moved to the summit of the league table over the weekend when they defeated Durban City.
Former Orlando Pirates star Vincent Pule put the home side in front during the first half, but Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba struck in the second half to give Masandawana a deserved away point.
Sundowns dropped points against Siwelele
The Brazilians’ coach, Miguel Cardoso, tweaked their starting lineup from the CAF Champions League group stage match against MC Alger, swapping Divine Lunga for Aubrey Modiba, while Siwelele made a double change, swapping in Neo Rapoo and Gape Moralo for Aphiwe Baliti and Relebogile Mokhuoane in their starting XI.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Sundowns started the game poorly, having to make an early substitution when South African defender Grant Kekana went down injured, prompting the introduction of Kegan Johannes.
The defending champions dictated the tempo of the match early but failed to create clear-cut chances as Siwelele defenders held on while Masandawana kept applying pressure in advanced areas.
Against the run of play, Pule opened the scoring in the 27th minute for the home side, slotting home after Tebogo Potsane capitalised on a mistake by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Brazilians showed little sign of a fightback after going down, as they struggled to trouble Siwelele's well-structured defensive setup.
The home side went into the break with a 1-0 lead despite Mamelodi Sundowns dominating possession.
After the break, the Tshwane outfit picked up right where they left off, dominating possession, but the battle of carving out clear-cut chances continued as Siwelele held on to their one-goal lead.
In the 73rd minute, a smooth exchange of passes sliced through Siwelele’s defensive setup, as Mothiba calmly finished the play and brought the game level.
Source: Getty Images
Seven minutes after the equaliser, Sundowns were reduced to 10 men as South African midfielder Teboho Mokwena was shown his second yellow card of the match.
With no further goals, the match ended as it was, forcing both teams to share the spoils at the final whistle.
Cardoso on Sundowns' dream of winning CAFCL
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso shared his thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns' obsession tag to winning the CAF Champions League.
The Portuguese coach made the comments ahead of the Brazilians' clash with Saint Eloi Lupopo.
Source: Briefly News
