The Betway Premiership action delivered a dose of drama, with three thrilling fixtures concluding the midweek action, with AmaZulu FC securing victory, exacting revenge on a wounded Stellenbosch FC still reeling from their MTN8 final defeat to Orlando Pirates.
AmaZulu’s midfielder, Pule Ekstein, proved to be the difference-maker, stunning Stellenbosch with a quick-fire brace just two minutes before halftime. While Stellies’ winger Langelihle Phili pulled one back in the 52nd minute to offer a glimmer of hope, it was not enough.
Despite sustained pressure for the remainder of the match, Stellenbosch failed to find an equaliser, and AmaZulu secured all three points in a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
STALEMATE FOR GALAXY AND RICHARDS BAY FC
Further up the coast, Richards Bay FC hosted TS Galaxy in their return to the Umhlathuze Sports Complex. The PSL has approved the newly refurbished stadium to host Betway Premiership fixtures, ending a three-season exile for the Natal Rich Boyz.
Richards Bay were the first to make a breakthrough in the 29th minute via a Wandile Ngema goal. However, the advantage was short-lived. Just before halftime, TS Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana levelled the score at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams push for a winner, with Richards Bay earning a golden opportunity late in the game. In the 86th minute, Ngema was fouled in the box, earning his team a penalty. The pressure was on for Tshepo Mabua, but his spot-kick was saved with the game ending in a 1-all draw.
In Limpopo, Polokwane City FC hosted Golden Arrows. Arrows opened the scoring with a first-half goal from Siyanda Ndlovu, but the home side had other plans. In the second half, Polokwane City came out with renewed vigour, and the momentum shifted completely when the Arrows goalkeeper was sent off in the 63rd minute.
The ten-man Arrows side proved vulnerable to the pressure, and Polokwane City capitalised, finding an equaliser in the 72nd minute via a goal by Bonginkosi Dlamini. The hosts completed a stunning comeback six minutes into regulation time, securing a dramatic victory. Puleng Marema was the hero.
These results have reshaped the league table, with AmaZulu climbing to fifth place and Polokwane City moving up to eighth. Golden Arrows and Richards Bay now sit at 10th and 11th, respectively.
RELATED STORY: AmaZulu star receives rave reviews from Zim coach