Championship season begins with wins for Durban City FC and JDR Stars
The 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season got underway with a bang as Durban City FC and JDR Stars secured victories in their opening fixtures this weekend.
On Friday, Durban City FC, previously known as Maritzburg United, defeated Casric Stars 2-1 at Chatsworth Stadium. The KZN-based side came from a 1-0 down to score two goals to collect maximum points against Stars.
Elsewhere, JDR Stars commenced their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Upington City FC at Soshanguve’s Giant Stadium on Saturday afternoon. ‘The Hammer Boys’ have managed to keep a handful of their experienced players for the new season.
Stars retained the services of Banele Hlophe, Ishmael Wadi, and Prince Nxumalo. The latter was the top goal scorer in the NFD, with 18 goals last season.
Nxumalo signed a new one-year contract with the Nditsheni Nemasisi-owned team, with an option to extend for a further year.
HIGHBURY AND KRUGER UNITED BEGIN LIFE IN THE SECOND-TIER WITH DRAWS
Meanwhile, two Motsepe Foundation newcomers, Highbury FC and Kruger United, began life in the second-tier with draws.
Highbury played to a 1-1 draw against Black Leopards, while Kruger United collected one point against Hungry Lions FC, with the same scoreline. Last season, Highbury and Kruger United gained promotion to the NFD from the ABC Motsepe League.
Another league newbie, Leruma United, suffered a 1-0 defeat against Pretoria Callies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. Leruma bought the status of Marumo Gallants, who have since purchased the top-flight status of Moroka Swallows.
In addition, AmaTuks shared the spoils with Cape Town Spurs after playing a goalless draw at Tuks Stadium. CT Spurs were relegated from the Betway Premiership [previously known as DStv Premiership] at the end of last season.
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHDAY ONE RESULTS:
Friday, 23 August 2024
Durban City FC 2-1 Casric Stars
Highbury 1-1 Black Leopards
Saturday, 24 August 2024
Hungry Lions 1-1 Kruger United
Venda FC 0-2 Milford FC
JDR Stars 1-0 Upington City
Leruma United 0-1 Pretoria Callies
Sunday, 25 August 2024
Baroka Orbit 1-1 College
AmaTuks Cape 0-0 Town Spurs
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