SuperSport snatch vital three points in relegation battle

SuperSport United defeated Chippa United for the first time in over five years to move out of the relegation zone after a convincing 2-0 victory in the Betway Premiership at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Matsatsantsa a Pitori secured their first win in their last seven league games, and their first win under interim head coach Andre Arendse, as well as their first home win of 2025.

SuperSport dominated the opening quarter of an hour and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 17th minute, as Lyle Lakay’s cross found Bradley Grobler at the far post, who headed the ball in from close range for his fourth goal in just 10 attempts on target this season.

Chippa had the opportunity to draw level in the 25th minute, as Papama Tyongwana’s long ball found Craig Martin, whose cross to Siya Ndlovu was too far behind him.

In the 30th minute, Christian Saile and Lakay broke forward but could not complete the two-on-three break, as Lakay’s cross was deflected and collected easily by Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Matsatsantsa took their one-goal lead into halftime, with Chippa being caught offside five times in the half and managing only one shot on target.

SuperSport doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half, as Nyiko Mobbie’s ball forward found Christian Saile, who cut onto his left and curled the ball passed Nwabali into the back of the net for his fourth goal, and Mobbie’s first assist of the season.

The Chilli Boys nearly pulled one back in the 59th minute, as Giovanni Philander’s free-kick from a tight angle had to be punched over the crossbar by the backpedaling SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Siphesihle Ndlovu could have added another goal for Matsatsantsa in the 65th minute as Lakay’s cross from a set piece found him open in the box, but he skied his effort over the bar.

Grobler nearly bagged his second of the game in the 67th minute as Saile’s cross glanced off the head of Makhele, falling into Grobler’s path, but he too couldn't find the target.

Sirgio Kammies added to Chippa’s woes as he received a red card in the 91st minute for a dangerous tackle.

The victory sees SuperSport move above Richards Bay on goal difference into 13th spot on the Betway Premiership log. They will hope to carry the momentum into their upcoming clash against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on 17 May.

The loss for the Chilli Boys sees them drop to ninth place on the log as they are now winless in their last four away games and their last four league fixtures. They will look to bounce back against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday

SuperSport: (1) 2 (Grobler 17’, Saile 48’)

Chippa: 0

SuperSport: Goss, Sanoka, Okon, Hlatshwayo, Baliti, Mobbie, Ndlovu, Moralo, Lakay (Mbangossoum 74’), Saile (Poggenpoel 82’), Grobler (Nurkovic 82’).

Chippa: Nwabali, Mandingwane (Bonani 72’), Makhele, Chabalala, Sithole, Martin, Tyongwana (Maarman 72’), Kammies, Modise, Kwayiba, Ndlovu (Eva Nga 33’)