Real Native fight back to beat Cape Town City as Championship newcomers make winning starts

Real Native began their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Cape Town City, while newly promoted North West University FC earned a point on their PSL debut after drawing 1-1 with Upington City.

Formerly known as Casric Stars, Real Native fell behind at home when Rai Vloet converted a penalty in the 29th minute. Their response was immediate, with Sphamandla Mlilo equalising three minutes later.

The hosts completed the comeback in the second half when Xikabu Slawula found the net to secure all three points and give Real Native a winning start to the season.

Elsewhere on Friday, Venda Football Academy and Lerumo Lions shared the points in a 1-1 draw in their opening Championship fixture.

Hope FC start with victory

Hope FC also marked their arrival in the Championship with a narrow win, beating the University of Pretoria 1-0 at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Tauric Gamildien, one of the club’s off-season recruits, scored the only goal of the match in the second half on his debut.

Highbury FC also began the campaign with three points after defeating the Bees 2-1 at Kanyamazane Stadium.

Unathi Funani was the decisive figure for the visitors, scoring twice to secure victory and claim the headlines.

Hungry Lions and Gomora United produced one of the weekend’s higher-scoring matches, playing out a 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon.

Leicesterford City opened their campaign with a 1-0 home win against Orbit College. Modenzo Sekgobela scored the only goal of the match, giving the hosts maximum points.

Magesi and NWU collect points

Magesi FC marked their return to the Championship with a 1-0 away victory over Midlands Wanderers FC.

Nyakala Raphadu opened his account for the new campaign in the 13th minute. That early goal proved enough to settle the contest and hand Magesi all three points.

North West University FC, meanwhile, registered a point in their first PSL appearance after drawing 1-1 with Upington City.

The newly promoted side took the lead after only 10 minutes and appeared on course for victory. Upington City were forced to wait until the 90th minute before restoring parity, with Chalake scoring the late equaliser.

The result completed a weekend in which several clubs made their Championship entries or returns, with Real Native, Hope FC, Highbury FC, Leicesterford City and Magesi FC all securing victories in their opening fixtures.