Hope FC make winning start as new Motsepe Foundation Championship season begins

Hope FC began their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign with a narrow victory over University of Pretoria, while Magesi FC also marked their return to South Africa’s second tier with three points.

The newly promoted Hope FC edged University of Pretoria 1-0 at Athlone Stadium in a match which took time to settle. The hosts took control late on and Tauriq Gamildien converted from the penalty spot after a coming-together in the area.

The result gave Clayton Daniels a winning start to his coaching career.

Real Native rally to beat Cape Town City

Cape Town City opened their second season in the Championship with a 2-1 defeat by Real Native FC at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Real Native, formerly known as Casric Stars, endured a sluggish start and fell behind after half an hour. A foul on Emile Witbooi resulted in a penalty, which new signing Rai Vloet dispatched to put City in front.

The Believers responded immediately when Siphamandla Mlilo struck a powerful equaliser. They then completed the comeback late in the game after being awarded a penalty of their own, with Xolani Slwaula finishing confidently to secure victory on the opening day.

Venda Football Academy recovered from a half-time deficit to draw 1-1 with Lerumo Lions at Thohoyandou Stadium.

Lerumo Lions had the better of the opening period and went into the interval ahead after former Orlando Pirates development striker Mehluleli Maphumulo scored on his debut.

Venda Football Academy hit back in the second half through Zimbabwean-born former Polokwane City striker Douglas Mapfumo, ensuring the points were shared in Thohoyandou.

Orbit College suffer return defeat

Orbit College’s comeback to the Motsepe Foundation Championship got off to a disappointing start as they lost 1-0 to Leicesterford City on Saturday afternoon.

The Mswenko Boys returned to the second tier after spending a season in the Betway Premiership, but Kavendree Makhene’s first-half goal left them trailing.

Orbit College could not find a response after the break and began life back in the MFC on the wrong foot, following their relegation from the Premiership at the end of last season.

Magesi FC, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful return to the Championship after a two-year absence, beating Midlands Wanderers 1-0.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse struck in the 13th minute when new signing Nyakala Raphadu marked his debut by opening his account following his arrival during the off-season.

Midlands Wanderers were unable to mount a comeback, leaving the 2024 Carling Knockout champions with an important victory on their return to the second tier of South African football.

Highbury FC also secured an away win, defeating the Bees 2-1 thanks to two goals from Enocent Funani.

The Bees made the stronger start, with Menzi Madela putting the hosts in front. Funani levelled before half-time, after both sides had attacked from the opening stages.

The visitors had the final say late in the match, with Funani completing his brace to ensure Highbury FC began their campaign with a positive result.

Hungry Lions and Gomora United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Di Tau, who narrowly missed out on promotion again last season, went into the interval level with Gomora United after Tiklas Thutlwa had put the visitors on the scoreboard.

The game continued to move from end to end before Mokeri Senwamadi scored for United to secure a share of the points.

Debutants Northwest University FC were also held to a draw, finishing 1-1 with Upington City at the Faine Du Toit Stadium.

Bafana Ba Gucci fell behind when Onkarabile Moswane scored for Upington City. However, with time running out, the visitors rescued a point through Chalake.