Plaatjies hat-trick inspires Stellenbosch FC to first win

Young forward Quwan Plaatjies scored a hat-trick on his professional debut as Stellenbosch FC beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 to claim their first win of the PSL season on Friday night.

The debutant opened the scoring after 13 minutes, adding a second before half-time and completing his treble nine minutes after the restart. Thapelo Dhludhlu scored a late consolation for Marumo Gallants, but the visitors could not produce a comeback.

Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch FC side had begun the campaign with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Polokwane City on Tuesday and were still searching for their first victory. Marumo Gallants had also drawn their opening match, a goalless encounter with newly promoted Kruger United on the same day.

Plaatjies made an immediate impact in his first top-flight appearance. Starting on the left, he cut inside during the 13th minute before curling an excellent finish into the far corner to give the home side the lead.

He doubled the advantage 15 minutes later. Plaatjies moved ahead of his marker at the far post and headed in a well-weighted cross from Daniels, leaving Gallants struggling to contain the young winger.

Marumo Gallants enjoyed more possession as the match progressed, but Phuti Mohafe’s team lacked the quality required in the final third. Their efforts failed to seriously test Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who was not forced into a significant save during the first half.

The visitors’ task became even more difficult shortly after the interval. Plaatjies completed his hat-trick with another header from a Daniels cross, repeating the pattern of his second goal and giving Stellenbosch FC a commanding 3-0 lead.

Gallants eventually found a way through with 10 minutes remaining. Stephens could only parry a shot into a dangerous area, where Dhludhlu reacted quickly to fire the loose ball into the net and score his team’s first goal of the new season.

Stellenbosch FC eased off during the closing stages, but Marumo Gallants were unable to take advantage and there was no late fightback. The result gives Hunt’s side their first win at the third attempt, while Gallants remain without a victory after two matches.

What comes next

Stellenbosch FC’s next three fixtures are away matches against Golden Arrows and Durban City, followed by a home game against Sekhukhune United.

Marumo Gallants will travel to face Mamelodi Sundowns next. They then host TS Galaxy before playing Polokwane City away.