The 2024/25 Premier Soccer League campaign finally started on Saturday, September 14 with three games on the cards.
The most anticipated fixture was at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein between Soweto Giants Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants who were making a return to the South African top-tier after buying the Moroka Swallows' status.
Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi scored in either half to cancel Sekela Sithole's early strike.
Royal AM 1-1 Cape Town City
The Citizens were denied a win by the Natal Rich Boys at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Kwazulu Natal in the first game of the day.
City had anticipated starting the game well after the MTN8 heartbreak against the defending champions Orlando Pirates in the semi-final stage.
It took the visitors eight minutes to go in front; Prins Tjiueza made a promising run in the final third, and Jaedin Rhodes passed the ball to him. The latter held his composure to score the first goal in the new season.
The strike lasted until the 84th minute when substitute Motebang Sera converted a Sanele Radebe assist to ensure spoils were shared.
Polokwane City 2-1 AmaZulu
At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, the hosts battled to a vital win over Usuthu.
Etiosa Ighodaro scored first for AmaZulu with Riaan Hanamub providing the assist after half an hour.
In the stroke of half-time, Cole Alexander teed-up Bulelani Nikani for an equaliser.
It seemed the match would end in a draw until Thabang Matuludi struck in the stoppages, after a massive blunder by Veli Mothwa, to give his team maximum points.
On Sunday, Richards Bay will play TS Galaxy at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in the only game of the day.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will then host SuperSport United in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday. Orlando Pirates will be up against Chippa United a day later, the same as Sekhukhune United who will be welcoming newbies Magesi FC.