AmaZulu FC secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership opener at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The narrow win provided Usuthu with a perfect start to the new season under coach Arthur Zwane. The Soweto-born mentor and his side will now shift focus to next week’s MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Sekhukhune United.
Stellies, meanwhile, suffered a losing start as Gavin Hunt’s side were outplayed by fellow former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Zwane’s charges. The Winelands club will look to bounce back when they travel to face Polokwane City in their next league outing on 11 August.
Usuthu started the match brightly, with Athini Maqokolo looking particularly lively. The 2025-26 AmaZulu FC Player of the Season forced goalkeeper Sage Stephens into making two solid saves in the 16th and 29th minutes.
Stellies did threaten late in the half, however, as 19-year-old Avuzwa Mbembe, making his professional debut, tested keeper Olwethu Mzimela, who made a good save in the 42nd minute. The sides went into the halftime break in Durban locked at 0-0.
Maqokolo continued to trouble the Stellenbosch defence after the restart. Usuthu were awarded a penalty when the young attacker was fouled, and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya converted from the spot, giving AmaZulu a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute.
Coach Gavin Hunt made several changes as Stellies sought to level the score, introducing Siviwe Nkwali, Wonderboy Makhubu, Devin Titus and new signing George Matlou. AmaZulu, however, remained solid at the back and emerged 1-0 winners.
Stellenbosch 0
AmaZulu 1 (Ngwenya 59')
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Lebusa (Nkwali 62'), Nhlabathi, Vena, Lebitso, Palace (Matlou 76'), Mthethwa, Butsaka (Makhubu 85'), Mbembe (Titus 62'), Daniels (Johannesen 76'), Kwayiba
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Radebe, Hanamub, Allan, Fielies, Mdaka, Moralo, Zikhali (Hlangabeza 77'), Ngwenya (Matlhoko 77'), Maqokolo (Sithole 90'+1), Mbanjwa (Lekoloane 85')