Plaatjies hat-trick gives Stellenbosch FC first Betway Premiership win

Youngster Quwan Plaatjies scored a hat-trick on his debut as Stellenbosch FC claimed their first win of the Betway Premiership season with a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants FC on Friday evening.

Stellenbosch had failed to win either of their opening two matches, while Marumo Gallants were also searching for their first points of the campaign. The home side had drawn an entertaining match against Polokwane City, while Bahlabane Ba Ntwa had been held by newly promoted Kruger United in midweek.

Plaatjies announced himself in the top flight with the opening goal after 13 minutes.

The development graduate moved inside from the edge of the six-yard box, opened up his body and curled a precise finish into the bottom corner to open his account on his senior debut.

His remarkable evening continued before the half-hour mark when he doubled the home side’s advantage.

Raoul Daniels created the opportunity with a pinpoint delivery after getting beyond Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya. Plaatjies made his way into the penalty area and guided a header beyond Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo.

The visitors attempted to change the course of the match at the interval, introducing Khumbulani Ncube, Marvin Sikhosana and Edgar Manaka at the start of the second half.

However, Stellenbosch continued to control the contest and Plaatjies completed his hat-trick nine minutes after the restart.

Once again, Daniels supplied the cross. Plaatjies timed a late run into the area before connecting with the delivery and heading past Mlambo to make it 3-0.

Marumo Gallants came close to reducing the deficit when Ncube met a first-time cross with a powerful header in the middle of the box. His effort, though, flew narrowly wide of the goal guarded by Sage Stephens.

The visitors continued to threaten during the closing stages. Monde Mphambaniso struck a half-volley from the edge of the area, but the attempt was cleared off the goal-line with Stephens out of position and unable to intervene.

Marumo Gallants eventually found a way through with 10 minutes remaining after sustained pressure.

Thapelo Dhludhlu charged in on the near side and reacted quickest when Stephens could only parry the ball back into play. Dhludhlu then fired into the top corner to give the visitors hope.

The final minutes became increasingly open as Marumo Gallants pushed for a second goal and Stellenbosch looked to protect their advantage. Neither side added to the score, however.

The result gives Stellenbosch FC their first victory of the campaign, while Marumo Gallants FC suffered their first defeat. Plaatjies’ three goals made him the decisive figure on his top-flight debut, with Daniels also playing a key role by setting up the second and third goals.