Weekend Football Roundup. South Africa & Europe | 28 February – 1 March 2026

South Africa: Betway Premiership.

The Betway Premiership served up a feast of drama this weeken. The title race now the main focus as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates continued their tit-for-tat battle at the summit. The weekend delivered thrills, upsets, and moments of individual brilliance that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. This has been an enthralling domestic season.

Saturday 1 March — Key Results.

Richards Bay FC 1–0 Kaizer Chiefs (uMhlathuze Sports Complex).

The most eye-catching result of the weekend. Richards Bay claimed their first win of 2026 at the expense of a shell-shocked Kaizer Chiefs side. It was Chiefs’ third straight defeat in the league. A sobering run of form for one of South Africa’s most iconic clubs. The visitors were already stretched thin when Shinga suffered an injury and was forced off late in the match. This left Chiefs to see out a difficult final few minutes with ten men. The result left Amakhosi with an urgent need to rediscover form and consistency ahead of end of the season.

TS Galaxy 1–2 Orbit College (Olympia Park).

TS Galaxy’s miserable run of form continued at Olympia Park as the Rockets suffered their fifth consecutive league defeat. Orbit College were sharp and clinical, overturning a Galaxy opener to win 2–1. Galaxy’s struggles represent one of the more alarming collapses of the season. And raises serious questions about their ability to escape the relegation zone.

Siwelele FC 0–0 Stellenbosch FC (Free State Stadium).

A cagey, goalless draw meant both Siwelele FC and Stellenbosch FC missed a chance to break into the top eight. Neither side could find a breakthrough in what was a tightly contested match full of tactical discipline. But, lacked the cutting edge to produce a winning goal.

Sunday 2 March, Key Results.

Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 Sekhukhune United (Loftus Versfeld).

Bafana Ba Style kept the pressure on league leaders Orlando Pirates with a commanding 3–1 victory over Sekhukhune United. Sundowns were in ruthless form, producing fluid football that has made them a force of South African football for the better part of a decade. The win kept them in lockstep with Pirates at the top of the table.

Durban City 1–0 Marumo Gallants (Lucas Moripe Stadium)

Durban City dug deep to secure a slender but vital 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Sunday afternoon. It was a hard-fought three points that highlighted Durban City’s grit and resilience as they continue to push through the standings. Golden Arrows and Chippa United, meanwhile, played out a tense goalless draw. A game of missed opportunities for both sides.

Europe.

English Premier League.

English football’s top flight delivered its usual blend of drama, controversy, and stunning goals across the weekend. Matchday 28 (27 February – 1 March) produced a series of high-scoring encounters.

Wolves 2–0 Aston Villa (Thursday 27 February)

Wolverhampton Wanderers opened the weekend’s action with a statement 2–0 win over Aston Villa at Molineux. Goals from J. Gomes and R. Gomes sealed a confident victory that continued Wolves’ remarkable recovery under manager Rob Edwards, who has transformed the club since replacing Vitor Pereira.

Saturday 28 February — Premier League.

Saturday’s card was packed with goals. Liverpool swept aside West Ham United 5–2 at Anfield in a stunning display, with Hugo Ekitike opening the scoring before Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and an Adrien Tryphon Disasi own goal completed the rout. Brentford produced one of the results of the weekend by overcoming Burnley 4–3 in a breathless match at Turf Moor, with Mikkel Damsgaard grabbing a brace. Newcastle United fell to a surprising 3–2 defeat at home to Everton, a result that breathed further life into the Toffees’ survival bid. Leeds United and Manchester City also squared off in a late Saturday clash.

Sunday 1 March — Premier League

Sunday brought three more cracking results. Arsenal edged Chelsea 2–1 in the day’s standout clash, a result that strengthened Arsenal’s grip on the top of the Premier League table. Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1 in another closely fought contest, while Manchester United earned a 2–1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford under new interim management, offering a rare moment of relief for their beleaguered supporters. Fulham also pipped Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 in what was an uncomfortable afternoon for Igor Tudor’s side, who remain mired in a difficult run of form.

Europe, La Liga.

The weekend’s most dazzling individual performance came from the Camp Nou, where a teenage prodigy etched his name deeper into history.

Barcelona 4–1 Villarreal (Camp Nou, Saturday 28 February).

Lamine Yamal delivered a performance that left even the most seasoned observers breathless, scoring a hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4–1 demolition of Villarreal — becoming, at just 18 years and 230 days old, the youngest player in La Liga history to score a first career hat-trick. His second goal was the pick of the bunch, a solo effort that saw him cut inside from the right wing and curl a stunning finish into the far corner. “He’s exceptional, and he’s here to make people happy,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick after the match. The victory moved Barca four points clear at the top of La Liga, further cementing their status as overwhelming title favourites.

Real Oviedo 0–1 Atletico Madrid (Saturday 28 February).

Julian Alvarez struck deep into stoppage time to snatch Atletico Madrid a 1–0 victory over bottom side Real Oviedo, helping Diego Simeone’s men climb to third in the standings. It was the kind of gritty, late winner that has become something of a trademark for Atletico in recent seasons. Despite the win, they remain 13 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, making the title race an increasingly one-horse affair.

Looking Ahead.

In South Africa, all eyes will be on the Sundowns vs Pirates title race as the season enters its decisive phase, with Kaizer Chiefs urgently needing to work on their alarming run of defeats. In Europe, Arsenal’s title charge continues to gather momentum following their win over Chelsea, while La Liga appears to be heading towards a Barcelona coronation unless Real Madrid can find a dramatic turnaround in form. With the continent’s cup competitions also heating up, there is no shortage of compelling football still to come in the weeks ahead.