The Motsepe Foundation Championship got its new season underway this weekend, with Matchday 1 delivering a mix of narrow victories, an entertaining draw and several teams making early statements in their opening fixtures.
Real Natives FC made a winning start at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, edging Cape Town City 2–1, while Hope FC also opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over the University of Pretoria at Athlone Stadium.
At the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Hungry Lions and Gomora United shared the spoils in a 2–2 draw in one of the weekend’s most entertaining encounters.
Leicesterford City FC secured a 1–0 victory over Orbit College FC at Mafori Mphahlele Stadium, while Magesi FC claimed a valuable away win after defeating Midlands Wanderers FC 1–0 at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
North West University and Upington City could not be separated at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium, playing to a 1–1 draw.
The weekend also saw Highbury FC begin their campaign on a winning note, coming from behind to beat The Bees 2–1 at Kanyamazane Stadium.
With Matchday 1 now in the books, the opening weekend has already provided an early glimpse of the competitiveness expected in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, with several sides starting their campaigns with three points and others left looking to bounce back in the next round of fixtures.