The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season kicked off on Saturday afternoon, following almost a two-month recess of the top domestic league.
Sekhukhune United registered the biggest shock of the season opener, when they stunned last year’s finalist Orlando Pirates, 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The match was a disastrous start for Pirates new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddu, after his return to the league.
The Buccaneers dominated the first half, but their domination failed to yield any goals.
It was left to Babina Noko’s Siphesihle Mkhize who put the ball behind Pirates keeper in the 46th minute, to give his team the first three points of the season.
Newcomers Siwelele FC are occupying the top spot in the league, after they stunned Golden Arrows 3-1 at the packed Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
A brace from Siviwe Magidigidi and a stunning strike by Vincent Pule, ensured that the soccer ‘starved supporters’ returned home in a celebratory mood.
Siwelele recently bought SuperSport United’s top flight status, to make a return to the Premiership.
The results were however different to another newcomer, Orbit College FC, as they lost 1-0 to Amazulu, at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.
Despite making their debut in the top flight league, the North West-based team put up a brave display in their history, and unfortunately lost through an own goal by Sekhoane Moerane.
The goal didn’t however dampen their resilience, as they applied pressure on Usuthu and nearly equalised in the dying minutes of the game.
At the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Chippa United held defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw.
Sundowns were the first to draw blood in the 34th minute through Arthur Sales.
The Chilli Boys, under the stewardship of new coach, Sinethemba Badela, claimed an important point when Khaya Mfecane equalized in the 65th minute to ensure that both teams share the spoils.
At the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, ten-man Marumo Gallants shocked hosts Richards Bay 2-1, after captain Edgar Manaka became the first player to be red-carded in the new league campaign.
The visitors goals were scored by Bheki Mabuza and Simo Mbhele, while the host consolation goal was scored by Lundi Mahala.
Meanwhile, last season surprising outfit, Magesi FC, were held to a 0-0 draw at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane.
Sunday’s fixtures will see TS Galaxy host newcomers Durban City at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, while Kaizer Chiefs are away to Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
