Kruger United secured their first-ever Betway Premiership victory on Sunday, while Milford FC continued their impressive start to life in the top flight with a convincing win in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby. Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows, meanwhile, shared the spoils in Bloemfontein.
In the Mpumalanga Derby, Kruger United edged TS Galaxy 1-0 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, with substitute Khethukuthula Ndlovu scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute.
Galaxy enjoyed the better of the first-half exchanges, with Sedwyn George twice threatening to break the deadlock inside the opening 20 minutes before being forced off through injury.
The Rockets were dealt another blow five minutes after the restart when Veluyeke Zulu was shown a straight red card for bringing down Mlungisi Zwane after losing possession in a dangerous position.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Galaxy came close to taking the lead when Victor Letsoalo attempted to catch Kruger goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou off his line from inside the Kruger half, but the goalkeeper recovered to turn the effort behind.
Kruger eventually made their numerical advantage count when Ndlovu converted Zwane’s assist from the right to secure a historic three points.
The victory lifted the Village Boys to 13th place with four points from six matches, while Galaxy remain 11th on six points.
In the KwaZulu-Natal Derby, Milford FC produced a dominant performance to thrash 10-man Richards Bay 5-1 at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
The Stallions, who are top-flight newcomers, moved up to fifth place with 11 points from seven matches, while Richards Bay remain 13th and winless, with three points from six outings.
Milford took control of the match and were rewarded in the 28th minute when Richards Bay defender Lindokuhle Zikhali conceded a penalty and was sent off for pulling back Siphosethu Ndlabi after losing possession.
Ndlabi converted from the spot to give Milford the lead before Mvelo Zikakayo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time after capitalising on a loose ball.
Zikakayo completed his brace in the 54th minute, finishing from Ndlabi’s assist to put Milford 3-0 ahead.
Richards Bay pulled one back through Mehluleli Ndelu in the 77th minute, but Milford responded with two late goals. Substitute Phakamani Jwara made it 4-1 in the 84th minute before another replacement, Jabulile Gxakoshe, completed the rout in stoppage time.
It was a memorable derby victory for Milford, who continue to impress in their maiden Premiership campaign.
At the Free State Stadium, Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows played to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested encounter.
The two sides cancelled each other out in a cagey first half, with neither team able to establish control in midfield. Siwelele’s Vincent Pule produced the only shot on target before the break, but his effort was comfortably saved by Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Arrows came out stronger after half-time and took the lead just four minutes after the restart. Ronaldo Van Neel delivered a lofted cross from the left, with Philani Khumalo steering a low half-volley into the net.
Siwelele responded strongly and levelled the match shortly after the hour mark. Christian Saile capitalised on a loose ball following a poor touch from Osborn Maluleke before acrobatically volleying home the equaliser.
The hosts thought they had completed the comeback in the 67th minute when Thabiso Sesane headed home, but the goal was disallowed after the defender was adjudged to have fouled Mbanjwa.
Arrows had opportunities to regain the lead, with Khumalo hitting the crossbar and Nhlanhla Zwane being denied by a sharp save from Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February.
Sesane threatened again in stoppage time, but Mbanjwa produced another important save to tip his long-range effort over the crossbar.
The draw leaves Siwelele 14th with three points from seven matches, while Arrows sit seventh with seven points from six games.
Kruger United will host Stellenbosch next weekend, while TS Galaxy welcome Chippa United. Richards Bay face Sekhukhune United at home, with Milford FC hosting Durban City. Golden Arrows will welcome Kaizer Chiefs, while Siwelele’s next league match is against Polokwane City on 18 October.
