Reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns will not lead the standings heading into the mid-season break after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Siwelele FC at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilians needed a win to reclaim top spot from Orlando Pirates (who are inactive in the league this week ahead of the Carling Knockout final on Saturday), but could only draw in Bloemfontein – leaving them in second spot, two points adrift of the Buccaneers.

Siwelele, who claimed the lead via Vincent Pule but were pegged back by Lebo Mothiba, are up to 11th place – four points off the top eight.

Sundowns bossed possession through the first quarter of the match, but created no clear chances against a well-organised Siwelele defence.

And the hosts then claimed the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute, with Tebogo Potsane stealing possession off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (who had been done no favours by a poor back-pass from Keanu Cupido) inside the ‘Downs penalty area before feeding Vincent Pule, who had an easy task to stroke a shot into the unguarded net for 1-0.

The Brazilians responded with several sustained spells of attacking pressure, forcing the team in green and white to defend deep, but goalkeeper Ricardo Goss was not called upon to make any notable interventions, as the half closed with Siwelele one goal to the good.

Sundowns sent on the likes of Arthur Sales and Themba Zwane in the second half to try and turn the game around, with the latter having a good chance to level the game in the 68th minute, only to fail to hit the target with a left-footed shot.

Yet it was another substitute, Lebo Mothiba, who levelled the game in the 74th minute with one of his first touches, turning home a close range shot after a sweeping passing move had unpicked the Siwelele defence.

Three minutes later ‘Downs should have claimed the lead, with Iqraam Rayners shooting over from close range after fine set-up play from Tashreeq Matthews down the right flank.

The Brazilians’ hopes of winning the game were dealt a major blow with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining as they were reduced to 10 men, with Teboho Mokoena sent off for a second yellow card.

Regardless of their numerical disadvantage, Sundowns still threw numbers forward in search of a winner and were lucky not to be hit on the counter by Siwelele, who had a couple of great attacking opportunities in the dying minutes which would have produced a decisive goal had they been more clinical and composed.

The teams will only return to Betway Premiership action in the latter half of January 2026, with Sundowns hosting Orbit College, and Siwelele visiting Richards Bay.

Siwelele FC (1) 1 (Pule 27’)

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Mothiba 74’)

Siwelele: Goss, Mfolozi, Sanoka, Khonyane, Rapoo, Margeman, Moralo (Luthuli 75’), Lungu (Lakay 75’), Pule (Mobbie 75’), Potsane (Mahlangu 80’), Magidigidi

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau (Morena 46’), Cupido, Kekana (Johannes 5’), Modiba (Zwane 59’), Mokoena, Allende (Mothiba 72’), Matthews, Santos, Reisinho (Sales 59’), Rayners