Zimbabwean striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya continued his fine scoring form as AmaZulu FC extended their impressive run, while Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch registered crucial wins in Saturday’s Betway Premiership matches.
Ngwenya has now scored eight goals in seven Betway Premiership games this season for AmaZulu FC. In total, he has 10 goals across all competitions, including two in the MTN8.
Usuthu needed just four minutes to decide the game at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, as Nkosikhona Radebe swung in a set-piece and Ngwenya rose high to nod home at the near post.
Polokwane pushed hard for an equaliser, creating chances before the 20-minute mark and coming closest in the 44th minute when Tidimalo Molokwane struck the upright from inside the six-yard box.
Rise and Shine dominated possession in the second half as AmaZulu dropped deeper, soaking up pressure and looking to hit on the counter. The hosts camped in AmaZulu’s half in the final quarter but were met by resolute defending.
Hendrik Ekstein could have made it 2-0 on the break in stoppage time but fired straight at the keeper. The win, AmaZulu’s third on the trot, moved them level on points with second-placed Orlando Pirates on 16 points.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED LABOUR PAST RICHARDS BAY FC
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United survived a late scare to claim a dramatic 3-2 win over battling Richards Bay FC in a thriller at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Babina Noko struck first in the ninth minute through Tshepo Mokoena, who rounded the keeper after a well-timed run. They doubled the lead in the 72nd minute when Ndongani Gilbani smashed home a left-footed volley.
Richards Bay, who hit the woodwork through Nqaba Xulu in the 61st minute, launched a stunning comeback. Xulu pulled one back shortly after Gilbani’s goal, then grabbed his brace in the 86th minute to make it 2-2.
But Sekhukhune had the last laugh. In the 89th minute, Ngoanamello Rammala latched onto a through ball on the counter and calmly slotted the ball into the top corner to seal all three points.
STELLENBOSCH FC SQUEEZE PAST KRUGER UNITED
At Mbombela Stadium, Kruger United and Stellenbosch FC served up an entertaining clash, with the latter breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute through Keanan Johannesen.
Stellies led at half-time, with Kruger United coming out after the break with renewed impetus in search of an equaliser. Their task was made harder when they were reduced to ten men after Katlego Mohamme was red-carded.
They failed to find an equaliser, as Stellenbosch walked away with all three points. Gavin Hunt’s side now sits seventh with nine points on their tally.
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