Stellenbosch FC suffer opening day defeat to AmaZulu
Stellenbosch FC suffered an opening-day defeat to AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership after suffering a 1-0 loss at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.
Heading into the match, coach Gavin Hunt named seven debutants in his starting XI to face Usuthu, including professional debuts for Luthando Vena and Raoul Daniels, and first outings for new signings Thabiso Lebitso, Surprise Nhlabathi, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Orlando Mbembe, and Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
His new-look side looked calm and composed during the opening stages of the encounter but produced little by way of goal threat in the first half, arguably affected by the challenge of having to travel and play a home game 1600km from Stellenbosch.
Statement | Why Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium hosted Stellenbosch FC’s home opener
Indeed, it was the away team, playing in their own backyard in KwaZulu-Natal, who fashioned the first real shot on target when Man of the Match Athini Maqokola drove a low effort at goal. Stellies ‘keeper and captain Sage Stephens was equal to the task.
The half-time interval came and went, and in the second half Maqokola was central to proceedings again. Shortly after the restart, he showed a good turn of pace to get past Mosa Lebusa, who was forced to bring him down in the box and concede a penalty.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya stepped up to the plate and, although Stephens correctly predicted the way he would go, he could do little more to stop the striker converting from the spot and giving his side the lead.
Hunt turned to his substitutes as Devin Titus and Siviwe Nwali were introduced, before Keanan Johannesen and George Matlou entered for their respective debuts, but none were able to help find the elusive equaliser. A 1-0 defeat is how it ended for the team from the Winelands.