Sekhukhune United secured a late 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in their Betway Premiership encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
In-form new recruit Bradley Grobler scored deep into additional time in the second half to claim all three points for Babina Noko following a good period of possession.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, failing to maintain possession and reverting to optimistic attempts from long range.
The introduction of talisman Keletso Makgalwa in the 63rd minute seemed to boost the home side as they pushed to breach the Golden Arrows’ defence, finally succeeding through Grobler’s late strike.
The win sees Babina Noko move one point clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns on the Betway Premiership table with Abafana Bes’thende remaining in 11th spot.
Richards Bay inflict fourth consecutive defeat on Stellenbosch
Richards Bay claimed a much-needed 1-0 victory in the Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.
Stellies dominated possession in both halves of the match but failed to carve out clear chances, with the visitors taking the lead against the run of play just before half-time through Siyabonga Nzama.
Steve Barker’s side continued to apply pressure on Richards Bay in the second half, with the KZN club seemingly content to wait for counter-attack opportunities.
The result leaves Stellenbosch lying in 13th position on the table and extends their losing streak to four matches in all competitions; meanwhile, the Natal Rich Boys move up to 10th spot.
Nurkovic’s red rage ignites Magesi’s ruthless rout!
In a pulsating Betway Premiership encounter at Seshego Stadium, Magesi FC capitalized on an early sending-off to dismantle Siwelele FC 2-0, securing a vital boost in their survival scrap.
The game erupted in the 36th minute when Siwelele striker Samir Nurkovic, the towering Serbian forward, lashed out in violent conduct and earned a straight red, leaving his side a man down just as they sought rhythm under head coach Lehlohonolo Seema.
Magesi, guided by coach John Maduka, pounced immediately. Delano Abrahams slotted home a clinical right-footed finish from the heart of the box in first-half stoppage time to break the deadlock.
The second half saw Siwelele reel further: defender Thabo Makhele limped off injured at the 66th minute, replaced by Keabetswe Khonyane, before Christian Saile made way for Wayde Lekay moments later.
But it was Magesi’s Thabang Sibanyoni who sealed the points in the 72nd minute, rifling in another central strike to double the lead and deflate the visitors.
This gritty victory catapults Magesi to 12th in the standings with six points from seven outings, while Siwelele slumps to 14th on four points.
Orbit and Gallants share the points in Rustenburg stalemate
Orbit College and Marumo Gallants shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their Betway Premiership clash at Olympia Park in Rustenburg on Saturday evening.
The Mswenko Boys made a lively start, opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Thuso Moleleki finished off a flowing move, set up by Monnapule Saleng after Siyabulela Mabele’s incisive pass.
They almost doubled their lead before half-time, but Atisang Batsi’s long-range strike was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Washington Arubi.
Moleleki thought he had added a second just before the hour mark, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule him offside.
Gallants, winless in five themselves, improved markedly after introducing Siyabonga Nhlapo, Sekela Sithole and Daniel Msendami at the break.
Their equaliser arrived in the 65th minute when Christopher Sithole’s in-swinging cross from the right bounced straight through, eluding both Msendami and Orbit goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo.
Nkomo later redeemed himself with a crucial one-on-one save to deny Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo as both sides pushed for a winner.
The result leaves Orbit bottom of the table on four points, level with Chippa United but having played a game more. Gallants, meanwhile, stay ninth on nine points after recording their third straight 1-1 draw.