GDL heats up as Rockefvs stands firm under pressure
Changes are afoot at the top of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) standings, with some of the usual suspects, including Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, making a move upwards. Rockefvs, however, remains in first place, although the pressure is mounting each week.
On Saturday, the log leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by Highlands Park, another regular title contender, at Balfour Park, with Itebogeng Maake, assisted by Tatenda Nyandoro, earning a share of the spoils for the visitors.
The Lions of the North, after the draw at home, are now positioned in the middle of the pack, and they continue to climb since making a slow start to the season.
They won the GDL in 2023 and 2024, and finished as the runners-up in 2025. This season, they stumbled out of the gate, losing their first three matches. However, Sfiso Mnguni’s squad has recently begun to accumulate points, helped by the inconsistency of other teams.
Following the draw with Highlands Park, Rockefvs has 23 points, with Siwelele, the early pace-setters, in second place. They won a Pretoria derby against the University of Pretoria (Tuks) on Saturday, triumphing 2-1, with Boitshepo Raphala netting the consolation goal for Tuks.
Randburg, who were in second place, dropped points, going down 1-2 against Jomo Cosmos, which allowed Siwelele to move above them, and just two points behind Rockefvs.
Joburg City travelled to Vereeniging to face Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) at President Park Stadium. A victory for the visitors would have lifted them to 21 points, equal with Siwelele, but Joburg City was held to a 2-2 draw. Karabo Challa and Lindo Chai scored for the visitors.
The GDL Top 8 champions, Kaizer Chiefs, rose to third, with 20 points, after scoring a 3-1 victory over Prestige Football Development Academy at Naturena Village.
The Brazilians moved into the top four of the standings following a 5-2 victory against Future of Africa on Saturday at Clapham High. Thando Singo initiated the scoring for ‘Downs in the fourth minute of the match, receiving an assist from Kgaeogelo Monanyane.
Monanyane, then, provided a second assist, this time for Sipho Mkhwanazi to net Sundowns’ second. Antonine Bumba contributed their third goal, Zayyaan Nizamdim netted the fourth, and Sivuziwe Lozin capped off the scoring with the champions’ fifth.
The match was highly competitive, resulting in several cards being issued, including a red card to Mvelo Heliso of Bafana Ba Style in the 87th minute.
In other matches on Saturday, the Pitso Mosimane Youth Football (PMYF), which recently joined the GDL after acquiring the status of East Rand Athletic Club, scored a resounding 6-0 victory over Africa School of Excellence.
Both Tebogo Moremi and Mikhulu Booi scored twice, putting PMYF 4-0 ahead, and Yolisa Dyantyi and Mpendulo Sithole further boosted their side’s goal haul.
The School of Excellence is still struggling to establish itself in the GDL following the acquisition of the development side by Chipcor Developers in 2025. Before Chippa Mpengesi’s purchase, the School of Excellence had faced challenges in recent GDL seasons.
On Sunday, Panorama claimed a 2-1 victory over Kathorus Hyper Academy, with Junior Mabaso scoring both goals for the Roodepoort club, thanks to assists from Thabang Hlaui and Neo Maswabi.
RESULTS
Saturday, 16 May
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-2 Future of Africa
Siwelele 2-1 University of Pretoria
Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 Prestige Football Development Academy
Highlands Park 1-1 Rockefvs
Joburg City 2-2 RESA
PMYF 6-0 Africa School of Excellence
Jomo Cosmos 2-1 Randburg
Sunday, 17 May
Panorama 2-1 Kathorus Hyper Academy
