Orlando Pirates completed the first part of the season in the DStv Diski Challenge on top of the table as a 1-0 win over Royal AM at the Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday ensured that stimulus.
It was also the Buccaneers sixth consecutive win, equalling their record of the 2019/20 season as Mpumelelo Ndaba netted the winner in the first four minutes.
Kaizer Chiefs ended their year with a 2-1 defeat to SuperSport United at the Johannesburg Stadium.
Chiefs were on the back-foot following a goalless first half, as goalkeeper Bontle Molefe needed to save a penalty from Bilal Baloyi before Mthokozisi Balakazi eventually bagged the opener.
The Glamour Boys levelled through Sibusiso Milazi from the spot but Matsatsantsa had the final say after Sinenjongo Mkiva found what turned to be the winner.
Mamelodi Sundowns continued to lose ground with the top-tier after a 1-0 defeat against Golden Arrows saw them drop to fourth spot following three losses on the bounce on Sunday.
The Brazilians watched Olebogeng Ntlhaile net the winning strike in the first half, whilst Abafana Besthende played the final minutes with ten players following Samkelo Mzolo's dismissal.
Chippa United continued to keep pace with the pace-setters at the Wolfson Stadium through a late 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United.
With a goalless draw on the cards, the Chilli Boys saw Keegan Malgas arrive in the dying seconds of play to clinch the winning strike.
Goals in each half from Jaedin Rhodes directed Cape Town City to a 2-0 victory over a ten-man Maritzburg United at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
Rhodes netted the opener towards halftime and while United had Asanda Buthelezi dismissed for misconduct, the Citizens found a second through another finish from Rhodes.
TS Galaxy collected two wins in a row to head into the mid-season break inside the top-half following a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants FC.
Whilst Luke Mbewe bagged the opener, a double from Aphelele Teto in the second period steered the Rockets to a comprehensive thumping in the East Rand.
Stellenbosch FC lost a bit of momentum with the leaders Orlando Pirates following a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu out at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
The defeat ended Stellies' sixth consecutive winning run and Usuthu on the back of this success moved further away from the bottom-half, as Lankie Khoza found the winner late on.
Swallows 2-4 Baroka FC
