Chiefs’ draw with Ajax puts them second

SuperSport United sneaked into the top of the log with 35 points ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits, who remained on 34, after Amakhosi played to a 1-all draw against Ajax Cape Town following a 2-0 Students loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

United overcame Highlands Park 1-0 at Makhulong Stadium thanks to a solitary goal.

At the Athlone Stadium, Chiefs had to dig deep after gangling striker Nathaniel Paulse put the Urban Warriors in front through a sweet and well-taken header in the 58th minute.

Chiefs’ newly found never-say-die spirit eventually paid off as defender Daniel Cardoso rose high above the Ajax defence to beat Jody February in goal with a second headed goal of the encounter in the 79th minute.

Cardoso almost grabbed all the points for his side, but looked on in dismay as his header flew way over the crossbar from a similar position in the third minute of the referees’ four of optional time.

Goals from Hlompho Kekana and Sibusiso Vilakazi steered Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 victory over log-leaders Bidvest Wits at Loftus Stadium last night.

The victory for Pitso Mosimane’s men ensured they move up to the third spot on the log table with 32 points from 14 league matches.

Thabang Monare came close to pulling one back for the visitors after receiving a loose ball on the edge of the 18-yard area, but his well-struck effort went wide.

The Brazilians lost goalkeeper Denis Onyango through a knee ligament injury and he was replaced by Wayne Sandilands.

The defeat saw the Clever Boys remain with 34 points from 16 matches. – psl.co.za

. Timothy Molobi reports that at Orlando Stadium it was a new coach, the same old players and same results as Orlando Pirates succumbed to their fourth draw of 2017, meaning they still have no wins this year.

All eyes were on new coach Kjell Jonevret to see what his coaching philosophy was, but it was difficult to tell as they played the same as always.

Many expected the selected players to grab the opportunity given to them by Jonevret to impress him, but most still played like before without giving their all or going the extra mile.

Although it is still too early to judge the Swede as he only started this week, he was at least bold to replace off-form captain Oupa Manyisa in the second half.

Manyisa has been a shadow of himself lately and perhaps time in the stands is what he needs at the moment.

Dové Womé scored the equalising goal for the home side after Rodney Ramagalela put the visitors ahead in the 52nd minute.

The Togolese international has now scored two in as many games and Pirates should make his loan stay a permanent one.

But credit should go to the visitors, who have been a marvel to watch under Belgian coach Luc Eymael.

. Meanwhile, Bloemfontein Celtic suffered a 3-0 home loss to Platinum Stars at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Today’s fixtures:

Maritzburg United vs Free State Stars (Harry Gwala Stadium, 3.30pm); Baroka FC vs Cape Town City (New Peter Mokaba Stadium, 3.30pm)