Betway Premiership wrap: Sekhukhune, Durban City, Arrows secure wins, Magesi remain unbeaten

Golden Arrows 1-0 Richards Bay

Golden Arrows claimed their first win of the Betway Premiership season with a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the season's first Kwazulu-Natal derby at King Zwelithini Stadium.

It was a much-needed result for Arrows, while Richards Bay suffered their second consecutive league defeat.

Arrows started brightly with early chances from a Cele freekick and a near-miss by Kumalo. Richards Bay also threatened on the break, but both sides lacked the finishing touch in a goalless first half, despite promising buildup play and defensive errors.

Richards Bay missed key chances after the break, with Lundi Mahala wasting two clear openings in the 53rd and 65th minutes. Thikazi continued to deliver quality balls into the box, but the forwards couldn't capitalise.

Arrows responded with their own chances. Gumede and Mthembu linked well, but efforts on goal were either off-target or easily dealt with by Richards Bay keeper Edward Maova. Defenders on both sides were alert to danger.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Richards Bay failed to clear a corner, and Junior Dion unleashed a stunning volley from the edge of the box into the top corner to seal the win for Arrows.

In stoppage time, Arrows nearly added another through Mthembu's cross, but Mhango couldn't connect. Arrows now prepare for another derby against Durban City, while Richards Bay face Kaizer Chiefs in search of their first points.

Sekhukhune United 1-0 TS Galaxy

Sekhukhune United moved to the top of the Betway Premiership with a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium, joining three other teams on six points.

Bradley Grobler scored the winner in the 77th minute to seal Babina Noko's second straight victory.

The first half was balanced with limited goalmouth action. Galaxy's Dithejane had the only shot on target, while Maduna headed wide. Sekhukhune's best chance came just before the break with Monare heading off target from a Makgalwa corner.

Galaxy pushed early in the second half and nearly scored twice in the 51st minute, but goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner produced key saves to keep the game level.

Sekhukhune nearly responded through Thokolo, who headed over from close range following a dangerous Makgalwa cross.

A triple substitution on the hour mark, including Grobler, gave Sekhukhune fresh momentum. They created more chances before Grobler finally broke the deadlock with a close-range finish.

The hosts managed the game well after taking the lead and secured the win. Sekhukhune next face Orbit College, while Galaxy travel to Chippa United.

Magesi FC 1-1 Stellenbosch FC

Magesi continued their solid start under coach John Maduka with a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch at Seshego Stadium, maintaining their unbeaten record.

After a goalless draw in their opener, this result moves them to 10th on the Betway Premiership table.

Stellenbosch, still seeking their first win, earned their first point of the campaign following a 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs. The result lifts them to 13th, ahead of TS Galaxy, Richards Bay, and Orlando Pirates.

Magesi were the more threatening side early on, forcing a strong save from Stellenbosch keeper Sage Stephens in the 10th minute. However, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 19th minute through Langelihle Phili, who fired in from a tight angle after a pass from Andre de Jong.

The home side responded quickly, levelling just eight minutes later when Kgomotso Mosadi headed in Mcedi Vandala's cross. Stephens made two more key saves before halftime to keep the game tied at the break.

Magesi started the second half aggressively, testing Stephens with several long-range efforts, while Stellenbosch's Muzomuhle Khanyi forced a good save from Elvis Chipezeze in one of their few attacking moments.

Despite late pressure from Magesi, they couldn't convert their chances and were forced to settle for a point. They remain unbeaten after two matches and continue to show promise under Maduka's leadership.

Durban City 1-0 Chippa United

Durban City secured a late 1-0 victory over Chippa United at Chatsworth Stadium, thanks to Joslin Kamatuka's goal in the 88th minute.

This back-to-back win puts City level with Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, and Sekhukhune United at the top of the Betway Premiership table.

City dominated early on, with Haashim Domingo nearly scoring in the 13th minute when his shot rebounded off the post. Despite their early pressure, they struggled to convert chances throughout the match.

Chippa United grew more physical as the first half progressed, using tactical fouls to disrupt City's rhythm. However, they offered very little going forward and remained scoreless at halftime.

The second half was scrappy and lacked flow, with City still looking more likely to score. Chippa defended deep and limited clear chances, frustrating the home side's attempts to break through.

Domingo had another chance in the 80th minute but was blocked by multiple defenders. The match appeared destined for a draw until the late drama in the 88th minute.

Jean Lwamba's excellent cross found substitute Kamatuka, who finished calmly at the near post to seal a deserved win for Durban City. Next, Chippa face TS Galaxy at home, while Durban City host Golden Arrows.