Samkelo Zwane scores on Hope FC debut as Magesi FC maintain perfect start

Samkelo Zwane marked his Hope FC debut with the winning goal as the Kaizer Chiefs loanee helped his new side beat North West University 1-0 in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Saturday.

Zwane settled the match with a long-range strike, giving Hope FC their first victory after a difficult run of results. The midfielder, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs, scored the only goal of the contest for the Cape Town side.

Hope FC’s win was one of five matches played on Saturday, with Magesi FC and Highbury FC both claiming their third successive victories of the season.

Magesi and Highbury keep winning

Magesi FC continued their impressive start by defeating Leicesterford City 3-1. The result means they have won all three of their matches so far.

Highbury FC also remain unbeaten in their pursuit of Magesi FC, securing a narrow 1-0 win away at Upington City. Lulama Maqoko scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute to give the visitors their third consecutive victory.

University of Pretoria recorded their first win of the campaign with a 2-0 success against Venda FC. Michael Loftman’s side had suffered defeats in their opening two matches but took the lead through Sammy Darpoh in the first half.

Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Oarabile Booysen added a second-half goal to complete the victory and secure maximum points for University of Pretoria.

Gomora United moved into second place in the Championship table after winning 1-0 at The Bees. Their victory came in one of Sunday’s fixtures.

Cape Town City also collected their first win of the season, beating Hungry Lions 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts established a two-goal advantage through Cheswyn Philander and Kayden Francis. Hungry Lions managed to reduce the deficit late in the match, but Cape Town City held on to claim all three points.

Real Native return to winning ways

Real Native began the weekend’s action with a 1-0 victory over Midlands Wanderers on Friday afternoon.

Lelethu Skelem scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute, helping Real Native return to winning ways in the Championship.

The latest results leave Magesi FC and Highbury FC with three wins from three matches, while Gomora United’s victory over The Bees lifted them to second in the table. University of Pretoria’s success against Venda FC ended their two-match losing streak, and Cape Town City’s win against Hungry Lions gave them their first points of the season.

Hope FC’s victory was particularly notable for Zwane, who made an immediate impact after joining the Cape Town outfit on loan from Kaizer Chiefs. His strike from distance proved enough to decide the match against North West University.