Stellenbosch's good start to the 2024/25 season was halted on Wednesday after a 2-0 Premier Soccer League loss against Golden Arrows at the Athlone Stadium.
The Stellies had not tasted defeat in the six games played across all competitions, literally winning all of them, scoring 15 goals in the process, and conceding just one.
It is the reason why, maybe, the fans felt their team had a chance of getting another win against Arrows in the league fixture.
Stellies humbled at home
Kyle Jurgens tasted Arrows' goalkeeper with a long-range effort in the 10th and 20th minutes but failed to find the back of the net. Ashley Cupido was another player who also saw his attempt being saved.
In the 41st minute, Sanele Barns thought he had opened the scoring, only to be denied by the assistant referee's offside flag.
The visitors had their fair chances but were unable to trouble Sage Stephens in the Stellies goal.
In the second half, they made amends; in the 70th minute, Siyanda Mthanti, who was lively throughout the game, took advantage of poor defending to give his team an important lead, against the run of play.
Steve Barker's frustrations were extended in the fourth minute of added time when Stellies conceded a penalty after a handball in the box. Lungelo Nguse stepped up to seal the win.
Magesi taste first PSL defeat
Premier Soccer League newbies Magesi FC received a rude welcome with a loss against Sekhukhune United.
The debutants had hoped to get a good start thanks to the signings they had made, but they did not find it easy against the experienced Babina Noko.
Their resilience was broken in the 44th minute courtesy of Andy Boyeli who was making his debut for the club. It happened to be the only goal of the match and a good start to the new season.
The win is a motivation for Babina Noko who fell by a solitary goal against Lunda Sul FC in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup's second preliminary round. The second leg will be played this weekend.
