Quick Read
- Chippa United leads Durban City 1-0 at halftime in a Betway Premiership match on January 31, 2026.
- Sinoxolo Kwayiba, a recent signing for Chippa United, scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute.
- Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet made an error leading to the goal but later made several saves.
- Both teams featured new signings from the January 2026 transfer window in their starting lineups.
EASTERN CAPE (Azat TV) – Chippa United is currently leading Durban City 1-0 at halftime in their hotly contested Betway Premiership fixture on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The crucial opening goal came in the 32nd minute from recent Orlando Pirates acquisition, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who capitalized on a defensive error by Durban City’s goalkeeper, Darren Keet.
The match, a significant fixture in the South African top flight, has seen both teams display intent, with Durban City enjoying more possession in the early stages. However, Chippa United’s tactical approach paid off when Kwayiba seized his opportunity, firing into an empty net to give the home side the advantage.
Kwayiba’s Impact and First-Half Action for Chippa United
Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who joined Chippa United from Orlando Pirates earlier this month, quickly made his presence felt on the field. His goal in the 32nd minute was a direct result of his predatory instinct, pouncing on an uncharacteristic error from veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet. This early goal has undoubtedly boosted the confidence of the Chilli Boys as they aim to secure vital points in the league.
Despite conceding, Keet redeemed himself with several key saves in the latter part of the first half, notably denying Kwayiba another attempt and also thwarting Figareido from extending Chippa United’s lead in the 40th minute. Earlier in the game, in the 19th minute, Chippa’s Kammies delivered a precise cross to Figareido, whose header went over the crossbar, signaling Chippa’s attacking intentions from early on.
Durban City’s January Transfers and Starting Lineup
Durban City entered this fixture with a revamped squad, having been active in the January transfer window. Key arrivals include Ronaldo Maarman and Siphiwe Mahlangu, both on loan from Sekhukhune United, and Emmanuel Jalai from Dynamos FC. Jalai was named in the starting XI for the clash against Chippa United, indicating his immediate integration into the team’s plans.
The Durban City starting lineup featured Keet in goal, supported by a defensive line including Jalai, Mkhize, Gcaba, and Mashego. The midfield comprised Jurgens, Jodwana, Maseko, Mokwena, and Domingo, with Magawana leading the attack. Despite their early possession advantage, Durban City has yet to find a breakthrough, facing a resilient Chippa United defense.
Chippa United’s New Faces and Team Sheet
Chippa United also made strategic additions during the January transfer window. Besides Kwayiba, the team secured the services of Abbubaker Mobara as a free agent and Katlego Mohamme on loan from Sekhukhune United. Both Kwayiba and Mobara were included in the starting XI for this crucial match, showcasing the immediate impact of their transfers.
Chippa United’s starting lineup included Msibi in goal, with Figareido, Konqobe, Majadibodu, and Mobara forming the defense. The midfield was marshaled by Mosele, Matrose, Kammies, and Madingwana, while Kwayiba and Modise led the attacking charge. The integration of new signings appears to be a calculated move by Chippa United, aiming to strengthen their squad depth and on-field performance for the remainder of the 2025-26 Premier Soccer League season.
The early lead secured by Chippa United, spearheaded by a new signing like Sinoxolo Kwayiba, underscores the immediate impact of strategic transfer window acquisitions in the highly competitive Betway Premiership. The second half will be critical for Durban City to leverage their new talent and possession to mount a comeback against a determined Chippa side.