The Betway Premiership roared into action with a trio of captivating matches to open the 2025 season, showcasing gritty defending, clinical finishing.
AmaZulu secured a narrow victory at home, Polokwane City and Magesi battled to a stalemate, and Marumo Gallants edged out Richards Bay in a pulsating encounter.
AmaZulu Edge Orbit College in Tense Opener
AmaZulu kicked off their Betway Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over newcomers Orbit College at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Under the guidance of coach Arthur Zwane, AmaZulu capitalised on an early own goal by Orbit’s Sekhoane Moerane in the 24th minute, which proved to be the decisive moment. Riaan Hanamub’s dangerous cross forced the error, and AmaZulu’s relentless pressure kept Orbit on the back foot.
Nkosikhona Radebe and Keegan Allan tested Orbit’s goalkeeper, Moerane repeatedly, with the latter making crucial saves to keep the scoreline tight.
Orbit College, led by coach Pogiso Makhoye, showed resilience despite their top-flight inexperience. Monnapule Saleng and Siyabulela Mabele created chances in the second half, but AmaZulu’s goalkeeper Darren Johnson stood firm, notably denying Mabele in stoppage time.
Social media buzz on X highlighted AmaZulu’s dominance, with fans praising Hanamub’s pinpoint crosses and Zwane’s tactical discipline. Orbit, while defeated, earned plaudits for their spirited display, setting the stage for an intriguing debut season.
Polokwane City and Magesi Share Spoils in Goalless Draw
At Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane City and Magesi played out a gritty 0-0 draw in a match defined by missed opportunities and stout defending.
Polokwane, coached by Phuti Mohafe, controlled much of the first half, with Sibusiso Tshabalala proving a constant threat. His trio of shots forced Magesi’s Mbali Tshabalala into action, while Mokibelo Ramabu’s effort just before halftime rattled the crossbar.
Magesi, under John Maduka, grew into the game in the second half, with Kgothatso Mariba and Delano Abrahams testing Polokwane’s Brian Bwire.
Abrahams came closest, his 75th-minute shot narrowly missing after a fine save. Despite the lack of goals, both sides showed attacking intent.
The draw leaves both teams with a point to build on, but Polokwane will rue their failure to convert dominance into goals.
Marumo Gallants Snatch Late Victory Over Richards Bay
Marumo Gallants kicked off their campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Richards Bay at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, sealed by a stoppage-time strike.
Bheki Mabuza put Gallants ahead in the third minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Sekela Sithole. However, their task grew tougher when Diala Manaka received a red card in the 39th minute for a foul on Moses Mthembu, leaving Gallants with ten men.
Richards Bay, coached by Ronnie Gabriel, fought back in the second half, with Lundi Mahala equalising in the 55th minute after a slick move involving Siyabonga Nzama.
Despite dominating possession and creating chances through Mahala and Wandile Ngema, Richards Bay were stunned in the 91st minute when Simo Mbhele’s long-range effort found the bottom corner.
X posts erupted with praise for Mbhele’s composure and Gallants’ resilience under coach Alexandre Laffite. Richards Bay, despite the loss, showed enough to suggest they’ll be competitive this season.
These opening matches set an electrifying tone for the Betway Premiership, with AmaZulu’s grit, Polokwane’s frustration, and Gallants’ late heroics giving fans plenty to talk about. The season promises more drama as these teams build on their early showings.