Betway Prem wrap: Siwelele starts with a bang as Orbit suffer defeat

The Betway Premiership season kicked off with a bang, showcasing a mix of gritty defense, hard-fought victories, and dramatic late goals.

AMAZULU DOWN BETWAY PREMIERSHIP NEWBIES ORBIT 

AmaZulu began their campaign with a tense 1-0 win over newcomers Orbit College at Princess Magogo Stadium. Under new coach Arthur Zwane, AmaZulu's winning goal came from an unfortunate own goal by Orbit's Sekhoane Moeranein the 24th minute, which was forced by a dangerous cross from Riaan Hanamub. 

Despite AmaZulu's relentless pressure and numerous shots on goal from players like Nkosikhona Radebe and Keegan Allan, Orbit's goalkeeper Moerane made several key saves to keep the score tight. Orbit, in their top-flight debut, showed remarkable resilience. 

They created chances in the second half through players like Monnapule Saleng and Siyabulela Mabele, but AmaZulu's goalkeeper Darren Johnson stood firm, especially with a crucial stop in stoppage time. 

Social media was abuzz with praise for AmaZulu's tactical discipline and Orbit's spirited performance, hinting at an exciting season ahead for both teams.

LIMPOPO DERBY ENDS IN 0-0 DRAW

In a provincial derby at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane City and Magesi played out a goalless 0-0 draw. The match was defined by missed opportunities and strong defensive displays. 

Polokwane, coached by Phuti Mohafe, controlled the first half with Sibusiso Tshabalala proving to be a constant threat. His shots forced Magesi's goalkeeper Mbali Tshabalala into action, and a shot from Mokibelo Ramabu even hit the crossbar just before halftime. 

Magesi, under John Maduka, grew into the game in the second half, with players like Kgothatso Mariba and Delano Abraham's testing the Polokwane goalkeeper. 

Despite the lack of goals, both teams demonstrated a clear attacking intent, leaving Polokwane to rue their inability to convert their first-half dominance into a lead.

MARUMO GALLANTS SNATCHED LATE WINNER AGAINST RICHARDS BAY

The most dramatic match of the day saw Marumo Gallants secure a stunning 2-1 victory over Richards Bay at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium. 

Gallants took an early lead through a clinical finish from Bheki Mabuza in the third minute. However, their task became significantly harder when Diala Manaka was shown a red card in the 39th minute. 

Richards Bay capitalized on their man advantage, with Lundi Mahala scoring an equalizer in the 55th minute. Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Richards Bay were left stunned in the 91st minute when Simo Mbhele scored a spectacular long-range winner, sealing a hard-fought victory for the ten-man Gallants. 

The win was a testament to Gallants' resilience and tactical discipline under coach Alexandre Laffite, while Richards Bay, despite the loss, showed enough promise to suggest they will be a competitive team this season.