PSL top 4: Why Sundowns’ draw mattered more to everyone else

This weekend’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) results paint an intriguing picture for the top 4.

Mamelodi Sundowns went into the sixth round with a massive lead, making their match almost pointless.

For Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu, in third and fourth, their fixtures mattered more to the title race.

Here’s where the PSL top 4 stand after the latest matches.

What was the gap before this weekend?

Mamelodi Sundowns:

1^st with 19 points from 7 games (6 wins, 1 draw).

Kaizer Chiefs:

3^rd with 11 points from 5 games (3 wins, 2 draws).

AmaZulu:

4^th with 10 points from 5 games (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss).

Wins for Chiefs and AmaZulu would not have helped close the gap unless Sundowns slipped up in their fixture.

For this reason, the weekend’s games were more crucial to the chasing pack than the log leaders.

What happened in the PSL this weekend?

AmaZulu 1-0 Marumo Gallants

As confirmed by the PSL website, AmaZulu did what they needed to.

A 1-0 win at the Princess Magogo Stadium on 12 September secured three points and a shift into third on the table.

Usuthu are now level with Orlando Pirates, although the Buccaneers have a game in hand.

Polokwane City 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

In the concurrent fixture, as cited by FlashScore, Kaizer Chiefs were held to a draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

This allowed AmaZulu to push the Amakhosi out of the CAF Confederation Cup position.

It was also a missed chance for Chiefs to make up ground on Sundowns at the top.

Chippa United 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

The one fixture that really mattered to the other teams played out against expectations.

Sundowns were held to a draw at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane by a team threatened by the relegation battle.

This leaves a door open for Pirates, who are 7 points adrift with matches in hand.

How does the PSL top 4 look now?

Sundowns are still clear at the top, with the gap to Chiefs still 8 points.

Pirates and AmaZulu are both 7 points behind the log leaders.

Ironically, Chiefs kept pace with the Brazilians despite the stumble in Polokwane.

Only AmaZulu really made their game count and may fancy their chances of an even higher finish this season.