Quwan Plaatjies's hat-trick on debut saw Stellenbosch FC claim a comprehensive 3-1 Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night.
Stellies' maiden win of the season propelled them to third place in the league standings.
Coach Gavin Hunt’s side will be on the road next as they travel to Durban to face Golden Arrows on 26 August.
Gallants, on the other hand, will be licking their wounds after the defeat left them 15th in the standings.
Coach Phuti Mohafe will be keen to ensure Bahlabane Ba Ntwa secure their first win of the season when they face Mamelodi Sundowns away on 19 August.
Plaatjies enjoyed a dream professional debut, as the 20-year-old broke the deadlock in the 13th minute.
The youngster received a pass from Tlakusani Mthethwa, drove at the Bahlabane Ba Ntwa defence, and curled the ball past Kagiso Mlambo to give Stellenbosch a 1-0 lead.
Stellies refused to sit back after taking the lead and continued to press forward, doubling their advantage in the 28th minute.
Raoul Daniels delivered an excellent cross, and fellow DStv Diski Challenge product Plaatjies rose to head home his second goal of the night, completing a brace and sending Stellenbosch into the interval with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Plaatjies completed a well-deserved hat-trick nine minutes into the second half.
The troublesome youngsters combined once more, with Daniels setting up Plaatjies, who made no mistake in beating Mlambo for the third time to make it 3-0 to Stellenbosch, much to the delight of the home crowd.
History maker ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/4PRPnlFadL
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 14, 2026
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa launched late attacks and managed to pull one back through Thapelo Dhludhlu, but it proved a mere consolation.
Stellenbosch stood firm at the back in the closing stages of the match and ultimately emerged as 3-1 winners on the night.
Stellenbosch (2) 3 (Plaatjies 13', 28', 54')
Gallants (0) 1 (Dhludhlu 82')
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Nkwali, Taunyana, Vena, Lebitso, Mashego, Mthethwa, Daniels (Butsaka 57'), Matlou (Palace 89'), Plaatjies (Sibande 67'), Kwayiba (Grobler 89')
Gallants: Mlambo, Rihotso, Madiba (Ntiya-Ntiya 79'), Sikhosana (Sihlali 46'), Ncube (Lukhele 46'), Ndlondlo, Luthuli, Manaka (Mbhele 46'), Mpambaniso (Mabuza 69'), Kunene, Dhludhlu