Magesi FC and Highbury maintain perfect starts in Motsepe Foundation Championship

Magesi FC and Highbury remain joint top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship after both recorded their third consecutive victories of the season.

Magesi FC came from behind to beat Leicesterford City 3-1 at Mafori Stadium on Saturday, preserving their 100% record and their place at the summit.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse faced a stern test after Leicesterford City went into half-time ahead. The hosts had been held by Cape Town City in midweek but produced a strong first-half performance to threaten Magesi’s excellent start to the campaign.

The visitors responded emphatically after the break, taking control of the contest and completing the comeback through second-half goals from Bafedile Baloyi, Elmo Kambindu and Matome Mabeba.

Cape Town City claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory against Hungry Lions at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

The Citizens made a fast start, with Kayden Francis and new signing Cheswyn Philander putting the home side two goals ahead by half-time. Di Tau attempted to change the course of the match after the interval, but Cape Town City remained the stronger team and Hungry Lions were unable to prevent their first defeat of the campaign.

Gomora United moved into third place after securing their second successive win, edging The Bees 1-0.

The decisive moment came in the second half when former Black Leopards midfielder Tiklas Thutlwa continued his impressive scoring form by finding the winning goal. The result left The Bees bottom of the table after a third consecutive defeat.

Real Native returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 success over Midlands Wanderers at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday.

Leletu Skelem scored the only goal midway through the first half, helping Real Native retain their position in the top half of the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The defeat denied Midlands Wanderers successive victories and halted the momentum they had taken from their win over University of Pretoria.

Highbury matched Magesi FC’s perfect record by beating Upington City 1-0 at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium.

The visitors had already announced themselves with a victory over Real Native last weekend, but Upington City were unable to build on that result against the early pace-setters. Highbury eventually secured the points through veteran Lulama Maqoko, who scored late in the second half to complete a third consecutive victory.

Newly promoted Hope FC also moved back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Northwest University at Faine du Toit Stadium.

The match brought together two Championship debutants who had both lost last weekend. Northwest University remain without a win and occupy a difficult position in the table. Hope FC, meanwhile, secured the points after Kaizer Chiefs loanee Samkelo Zwane produced a well-taken first-half finish. Zwane also enjoyed a solid debut for his new side.

University of Pretoria recovered from a challenging opening to the season by beating the winless Venda Football Academy 2-0 at Thohoyandou Stadium.

After coach Michael Loftman’s arrival, University of Pretoria had lost both of their first two matches, leaving them under pressure to respond. Former Magesi FC midfielder Samuel Darpoh opened the scoring early in the first half.

University of Pretoria were later reduced to 10 men when Ntando Nkosi was sent off for an indiscretion, but they still secured maximum points. Luvuyo Phewa added a second goal to complete the victory.