Pick your Betway Premiership Team of the Week after opening weekend

The Betway Premiership returned this weekend, with Orlando Pirates making a winning start to their title defence and supporters now invited to select their Team of the Week from the opening round of fixtures.

The Buccaneers began proceedings with a 2-0 victory over newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. It was a far more positive opening to the campaign than last season, when Orlando Pirates lost their first two league matches.

Coach Ouaddou opted not to start any of his new signings, instead relying on the players who helped establish the club’s existing standards. Before kick-off, the league also used the occasion to pay tribute to former and current teams that have helped keep South Africa’s elite division among the strongest competitions on the continent.

AmaZulu FC also began the season with three points after beating Stellenbosch FC 1-0. The match was played in Durban, with the Winelands club hosting Usuthu because their Danie Craven Stadium was unavailable.

The decisive moment came when Mosa Lebusa was judged to have fouled Athini Maqokolo inside the penalty area. Thandolwenkosi converted from the spot to give AmaZulu FC victory. Coach Arthur Zwane will now look to build on that encouraging result and continue the progress made at Usuthu.

There was nothing to separate Golden Arrows and Chippa United, who played out a goalless draw at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Sekhukhune United claimed a 1-0 win against Durban City in one of the weekend’s most anticipated fixtures. The match brought former Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef up against one another for the first time since both left the Naturena-based club at the end of last season.

The game was staged at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, where Bright Ndlovu, a defender who has moved into a striking role, scored the only goal.

Kaizer Chiefs produced one of the weekend’s most impressive results by defeating newly promoted Kruger United 3-1 at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.

Flavio Da Silva put Amakhosi ahead in the sixth minute, but Khethukuthula Ndlovu restored parity just before half-time. Da Silva was then forced off through injury, with substitute Wandile Duba taking his place. The replacement made an immediate impact, scoring in the 55th minute before adding another goal 10 minutes later to complete the win for the Naturena-based side.

Polokwane City marked the start of the Willy Moloto era with a 2-1 away victory over Richards Bay FC at Richards Bay Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Moloto replaced Phuti Mohafe at the end of last season.

Ndamulelo Maphangule and Tidimalo Molokwane scored for Rise and Shine, while Simphiwe Mcineka netted a consolation goal for the hosts.

Siwelele FC and TS Galaxy shared four goals in a 2-2 draw at Free State Toyota Stadium. Siphesihle Jeza gave the home side the lead before Victor Letsoalo equalised for the visitors in the 50th minute.

Vincent Pule restored the advantage for coach Lehlohonolo Seema’s team, but TS Galaxy responded through Veluyeke Zulu in the 70th minute. The goal secured a point for coach Bernard Parker’s side.

The match also featured an unusual incident. TS Galaxy goalkeeper Sipho Maseti was sent off for handling the ball outside his penalty area while under no pressure. It was suggested that the rugby line markings on the pitch may have caused him to believe he was still inside his 18-yard box.

With the opening weekend complete, supporters can now select their own Betway Premiership Team of the Week and compare their choices with the official Soccer Laduma selection.