Another Saleng twist, Downs tighten grip, Bucs benefit?

Another Mamelodi Sundowns game with a red card, Orlando Pirates' controversial winning goal to narrow the gap, the Monnapule Saleng saga taking another twist... all in the Weekend Wrap!

Downs march on 

Sundowns continued a relentless charge towards an eighth consecutive league title with a 4-1 hammering of TS Galaxy at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

A brace from Iqraam Rayners and goals from Peter Shalulile and Jayden Adams were enough to seal a win that extended the side's lead at the top of the standings to 12 points.

READ: Chiefs number 1 supporter involved in fake tickets row

In the 26th minute, with the score 2-1 in favour of the home side, Victor Letsoalo was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Bathusi Aubaas, who had to be replaced by Teboho Mokoena.

Second-placed Pirates have three games in hand, however.

Controversy at Orlando

Not to be outdone, Bucs also collected a valuable three points with a 2-1 win over Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium on the same day.

It very nearly went south for the Soweto giants as Haashim Domingo's opening goal signaled trouble, but they returned fire in the second half with Tshegofatso Mabasa equalizing, before Goodman Mosele scored the winner with just three minutes left on the clock.

The winning goal remains a subject of controversy, though, as Mosele appeared to be in an offside position.

This is one of several calls from the match officials on the day that prompted the Citizens' head coach Muhsin Portugal to insinuate that it was the referee  that, in fact, deserved the Man of the Match award, speaking at the post-match press conference.

The victory keeps the men in Black and Red within touching distance of log leaders Sundowns with three matches in hand over the defending champions.

Another twist to Saleng saga

On Sunday, Monnapule Saleng's representatives, P Management Sports broke their silence over reports surrounding the speedy winger following his absence from the club's match-day squad in recent weeks.

There have been several reports on the absence of Saleng, with the latest coming from SoccerBeat, claiming the 2022/23 PSL Players' Player of the Season is unhappy due to an Al Ahly move that did not materialise.

"We are aware of the ongoing speculation surrounding our client, Monnapule Saleng," the agency said via statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

"While we have refrained from making public comments due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the matter, our silence should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the narrative being presented against him.

READ | Ex-PSL striker: I was bought with five balls

"This matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution. Our client remains committed to addressing these matters through the appropriate legal and professional channels.

"Given the confidentiality of the matter, we will not be engaging in further public discussions. Our priority remains to act in our client's interests while advocating for a fair and amicable resolution.

"We trust that the proper processes will lead to an outcome that serves the best interests of all parties involved.

Other results:

Chippa United 0-1 Sekhukhune United

Marumo Gallants 0-0 Polokwane City

AmaZulu FC 3-0 Magesi

SuperSport United vs Golden Arrows - postponed

Related tags