A busy night of Betway Premiership action saw a number of teams secure crucial points as the new season gets underway.
Sekhukhune United, Durban City, and Golden Arrows all grabbed victories, while Magesi FC continued their promising start, remaining unbeaten.
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Golden Arrows Edge Out Richards Bay in Derby
In the season’s first KwaZulu-Natal derby, Golden Arrows secured their first win of the campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The match was a tale of missed opportunities for both sides. Arrows started brightly, but couldn’t convert their early chances. Richards Bay also had their moments on the counter-attack, though neither team could find the final touch in a goalless first half. The second half saw Richards Bay’s Lundi Mahala squander two golden opportunities, while Arrows’ attackers also failed to hit the target despite some good build-up play.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute by substitute Junior Dion, who unleashed a magnificent volley from the edge of the box after Richards Bay failed to clear a corner. The late strike proved to be the winner, handing Arrows a much-needed three points and leaving Richards Bay with their second consecutive league defeat. Arrows will now face another derby against Durban City, while Richards Bay will be hoping to get their season back on track against Kaizer Chiefs.
Sekhukhune United Climb to Top Spot
Sekhukhune United moved to the top of the league table, joining three other teams on six points, after a 1-0 victory against TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The first half was a tight affair with few clear-cut chances. Galaxy’s only shot on target was saved, and Sekhukhune’s best opportunity was a header that went wide. The second half saw the game open up, with Galaxy’s goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner making a couple of key saves to keep the scores level.
The turning point came when Sekhukhune made a triple substitution, including the introduction of veteran striker Bradley Grobler. The change injected new life into their attack, and Grobler eventually found the breakthrough in the 77th minute with a close-range finish. Sekhukhune held on to secure their second win in a row, while Galaxy will be looking for their first points of the season when they travel to Chippa United.
Unbeaten Magesi Hold Stellenbosch
Magesi FC continued their solid start to the season under coach John Maduka, earning a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch at Seshego Stadium. The result maintains their unbeaten record and puts them in 10th place on the log.
Despite Magesi being the more dangerous team early on, it was Stellenbosch who took the lead in the 19th minute through Langelihle Phili. However, the home side responded swiftly, with Kgomotso Mosadi heading in an equalizer just eight minutes later. Both goalkeepers were kept busy throughout the match, making several key saves to keep the game level.
Despite late pressure from Magesi, they couldn’t find a winner and had to settle for a point. The result gives Stellenbosch their first point of the campaign, lifting them off the bottom of the table. Magesi will be pleased with their promising start, demonstrating their resilience and potential in the top flight.
Durban City Snatch Late Win Against Chippa
Durban City secured a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Chippa United at Chatsworth Stadium, with Joslin Kamatuka scoring the winner just two minutes from time.
Durban City dominated the early exchanges, with Haashim Domingo hitting the post in the 13th minute. Chippa, on the other hand, were more physical and defensive, offering little in attack. The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Durban City pushing for a goal while Chippa defended deep.
The match looked set for a draw until Jean Lwamba’s excellent cross found substitute Kamatuka at the near post in the 88th minute, who finished calmly to secure a deserved win. The back-to-back victories put Durban City level on points with Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs, and Marumo Gallants at the top of the table.