Chiefs, Galaxy drop points as Sundowns tightens grip on top spot

League contenders Kaizer Chiefs, in second, and TS Galaxy, in fifth, dropped points over the weekend, which allowed Mamelodi Sundowns to widen the gap at the top of the standings in the under-19 division of the Gauteng Development League (GDL).

Chiefs hosted league newbies East Rand Athletic Club at Naturena on Saturday. They needed a victory to close the gap on ‘Downs, a team that remains unbeaten in the division.

Instead, the Soweto giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw, losing two vital points in their challenge for league honours.

At George Lea Park, TS Galaxy hosted Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) in a highly anticipated matchup. The contest might have ended in a 2-2 draw, but it certainly did not disappoint as the players from both outfits put their bodies on the line during the clash.

Sometimes, they put too much into it, which led to the referee sending off Thembinkosi Mlangeni in the second half following a bad tackle. He also showed yellow cards to Tumelo Miya, Thapelo Bukhali and Hlafelo Nkosi.

Completing the top five in the standings are the “Lions of the North“, Highlands Park, who lie third, while SuperSport United occupies fourth place.

Highlands Park welcomed coach Tebello Kheswa‘s NWU Vaal FC to Balfour Park and emerged victorious, claiming a 1-0 win, to continue a sparkling turnaround after a slow start to the season for the defending champions.

SuperSport United, meanwhile, had a doubleheader on the weekend, taking on Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School (RSMSS) on Saturday and Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.

Goals from Tumelo Machete, Tshepo Mahlatsi and the reliable Manelisi Mazibuko saw SuperSport beat Rosina 3-0 before sharing a draw with Cosmos on Sunday.

While three of the other top five teams dropped points, coach Surprise Moriri’s ‘Downs continued on their clinical way. Despite playing at Joburg City, they struck three times in the first half.

Chuene Moabelo successfully converted from the penalty spot while further goals from Matlhogonolo and Ntokozo Siquba saw the Brazilians finish the first half 3-1 in front.

An assist from Molemo Seemela in the second half was met with precision by Bennet Mokoena to see ‘Downs record a 4-2 victory, their 13th of an unbeaten season.

In other games, Sevens Academy drew 2-2 against the struggling School of Excellence on Sunday.

Tuks lost 0-1 at home to Randburg AFC, while Panorama FC sank Wits Junior to the bottom of the log with a 3-1 defeat.

Kathorus Hyper Academy beat Jomo Cosmos 2-0 to conclude the 14th round of league action.