Mamelodi Sundowns remain top of the Betway Premiership table, but their advantage has been significantly reduced ahead of the international break.
The defending champions opened the month with a seven-point cushion at the summit. That lead has now been trimmed to just one point, with Orlando Pirates closing the gap after another important league victory.
Sundowns did not play in the PSL this weekend as they were involved in FIFA Intercontinental Cup action against Al Ahli. Their absence gave the chasing pack an opportunity to make up ground.
Orlando Pirates took full advantage.
Pirates close the gap at the top
The Buccaneers defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 on Sunday, moving to within a single point of Sundowns.
Kabelo Kgosietsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi were on target as Pirates collected another three points and moved onto 19 points from seven matches.
Sundowns, meanwhile, have 20 points from eight games.
That means Pirates still have a game in hand, adding another layer of interest to the battle at the top when domestic action resumes.
The two sides are also scheduled to meet in the MTN8 final on 10 October, while both clubs continue to balance domestic commitments with continental football.
AmaZulu strengthen their position
The race is not limited to the top two.
AmaZulu moved into third place after securing an away victory over Polokwane City, taking their tally to 16 points from seven matches.
Usuthu are now just three points behind Pirates and six behind Sundowns, keeping them firmly within the leading group as the season develops.
Their latest result also puts further pressure on the teams immediately behind them.
Chiefs drop more points
Kaizer Chiefs remain fourth on the table after being held to a 0-0 draw by Golden Arrows.
The result leaves Amakhosi on 13 points from seven matches, seven points behind Sundowns and six behind Pirates.
With AmaZulu opening up some distance ahead of them, Chiefs will need a strong run when league football resumes if they are to close the gap on the leading sides.
Milford FC and Sekhukhune United are also among the teams looking to move into contention.
Current PSL top four
After the latest round of matches, the leading positions are:
- Mamelodi Sundowns – 20 points from 8 matches
- Orlando Pirates – 19 points from 7 matches
- AmaZulu – 16 points from 7 matches
- Kaizer Chiefs – 13 points from 7 matches
With the international break now underway, the next phase of the PSL season will be closely watched.
Sundowns still occupy top spot, but Pirates have reduced the gap to the smallest possible margin and have a game in hand, while AmaZulu remain within touching distance of the leading pair.
