The return of the DStv Premiership after a recess of more than six weeks saw champions and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns held to a 1-1 draw by fellow heavyweights Orlando Pirates, while the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM also ended in a stalemate.
The headline match came from Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday night, as 10-man Pirates fought back from a goal down to hold Sundowns 1-1.
The Brazilians found themselves with an advantage when the Buccaneers’ Miguel Timm was sent off for a second bookable offence nine minutes into the second half, and they then claimed the lead with just under a quarter hour of regulation time to play when Marcelo Allende struck home a fine goal.
However, Pirates earned a penalty just a few minutes later and defender Thapelo Xoki netted from the spot to deny Sundowns a victory for only the third time in 15 league matches this season – though the Tshwane team remains very much in charge of the title race, enjoying a nine-point lead with two games in hand.
Kaizer Chiefs were in action on Sunday afternoon, but their hopes of building on the momentum they enjoyed at the end of 2023 (three wins and a draw to close out the year) were stymied by a goalless stalemate against Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium.