AmaZulu FC and Marumo Gallants started the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with narrow wins as the Limpopo Derby ended in a draw on Saturday.
In their first match of the season, AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane fielded his new signings Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Keegan Allan and goalkeeper Darren Johnson.
Usuthu put up a fine performance against league newcomers Orbit College FC in the early exchanges. They broke the deadlock after 24 minutes via a Tebogo Mashigo’s moment of brilliance.
Mashigo outpaced defenders before delivering a cross that was deflected into the net. In truth, AmaZulu FC dominated the affair, though they looked jittery each time Monnapule Saleng was in possession.
The match was played at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Orbit College FC tried hard to come back, but they failed to break the resolute Usuth defence.
LIMPOPO DERBY ENDS IN A DRAW
At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, the Limpopo Derby, pitting Polokwane City FC against Magesi, did not produce any goals in either half. Magesi FC had one of the new signings, Mcedi Vandala, in the starting line-up. It was more of a midfield battle with very few chances created in the first stanza.
Meanwhile, at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Richards Bay FC found themselves trailing to the visiting Marumo Gallants after three minutes.
Gallants surged ahead via Bheki Mabuza after three minutes of play. However, they were hamstrung in the 41st minute when Edgar Manaka was red-carded.
They held on going into the second-half of the match. But they were finally cracked after 55 minutes, as Lundi Mahala scored for Richards Bay. However, Gallants sealed the win via a last-gasp goal from Simo Mbhele.
For Mahala, it was a delightful moment as he scored on his debut match for The Natal Rich Boys. He joined the team from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC.
SIWELELE FC OFF TO A FLYING START
At the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Siwelele FC beat Golden Arrows 3-1 in their first match since purchasing SuperSport United’s PSL status.
Siviwe Magidigidi scored after 18 minutes and Vincent Pule doubled Siwelele’s lead in the 22nd minute. Arrows pulled one back in the 53rd minute through Keenan Philips.
Three minutes later, Magidigidi restored Siwelele FC’s two-goal lead with a well-worked goal. That was all they needed to collect their first set of maximum points.
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