Bloemfontein finally has a team to call its own - Siwelele FC. And the city responded with heart and voice, packing the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium for Saturday’s home opener against Golden Arrows.
The “sold out” signs went up early in the week - a rare sight for former SuperSport United players and staff, many of whom had never played in front of a full house.
The football matched the fever. The singing began long before kick-off and reached a crescendo in the 20th minute when Siviwe Magidigidi opened the scoring. Vincent Pule doubled the lead just two minutes later. Though Keenan Phillips pulled one back for Arrows in the 50th minute, Magidigidi struck again six minutes later to seal a 3–1 victory.
The celebrations spilt into the night, the thirst for local football finally quenched. In the stands, a new conversation began: Could Siwelele rival Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in fan power? Some even claimed they’re now the third most supported club in the country.
AMAKHOSI BREAK THE CURSE
Another sold-out crowd greeted Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town, where they faced Stellenbosch FC on Sunday. But for Amakhosi, the spotlight wasn’t on the fans - it was on the pitch. Could they finally start a season with a win after 11 long years?
Stellenbosch debutant Siviwe Nkwali saw red in the 13th minute for a foul on the edge of the box - a straightforward call. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up and buried the free kick to settle Chiefs’ nerves.
Down to ten men, Stellies fought back with grit, striking the post multiple times. But Chiefs held firm. A 96th-minute penalty sealed the 2–0 win - no controversy, just relief.
BUCS BLINDSIDED
The third sold-out clash of the weekend was at Orlando Stadium, but the “Happy People” left anything but. Sekhukhune United stunned the Buccaneers with a 48th-minute strike from Siphesihle Mkhize, and Eric Tinkler’s men held on for a famous win.
For Pirates, there’s no time to dwell. They travel to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, then face Mamelodi Sundowns in a blockbuster MTN8 semifinal first leg on Saturday. The Brazilians, too, are licking their wounds after a 1–1 draw with Chippa United.
MATCHWEEK ONE DELIVERS
The Betway Premiership kicked off in style, with 16 goals across the opening weekend. The first came just three minutes into the campaign - Bheki Mabuza netting for Marumo Gallants against Richards Bay.
Referees were kept busy, issuing two red cards: Edgar Manaka in the 39th minute of the Richards Bay–Gallants clash, and Nkaki in the 13th minute of the Stellenbosch–Chiefs showdown.
Local football is back. The race for the coveted Betway Premiership trophy is on. Catch every moment live on SuperSport.
It’s going to be a entertaining season! pic.twitter.com/nTvUJSUjFq
— Ama Fans Wethu TV (@amafanswethu) August 11, 2025