AmaZulu

In a hard-fought encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, AmaZulu FC brought Siwelele FC’s four-match unbeaten run to a halt with a solid 2-0 victory on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Athini Maqokolo proved the hero for Usuthu, netting both goals to lift his side to fifth place on the log with 21 points from 12 games. For Siwelele, the defeat keeps them in 10th spot with 13 points from 14 outings, highlighting their ongoing struggle to find the net, having scored just seven times in the league this season. This result not only boosts AmaZulu’s momentum but also underlines the challenges for the Bloemfontein-based team in their debut Betway Premiership campaign after rebranding from their historic roots.
The match showcased AmaZulu’s growing confidence under their coaching setup, securing a third win in four league outings. For fans and neutrals alike, it was a reminder of the league’s competitiveness, with both sides showing grit in a game that could have gone either way until Maqokolo’s brace sealed the deal.
Match Breakdown: AmaZulu’s Second-Half Dominance Secures the Points
Siwelele started brightly, controlling much of the first half but failing to turn possession into clear chances. Their forwards, including Siviwe Magidigidi and Christian Saile, tested AmaZulu keeper Darren Johnson, but he made easy saves from their efforts. As halftime neared, AmaZulu found their rhythm and took the lead in the 45th minute. A quick counter saw Hendrick Ekstein deliver a perfect pass to Maqokolo, who beat advancing keeper Ricardo Goss with a clever lob for 1-0.
The second half saw a more even contest until the 73rd minute, when Siwelele’s Grant Margeman and Thabo Makhele erred in possession, allowing Maqokolo to break free and slot home his second for 2-0. AmaZulu nearly added a third three minutes later, but Nkosikhona Radebe fired high and wide with only the keeper to beat. Siwelele pushed for a comeback but could not breach Usuthu’s defence, marking their ninth game without a goal across all competitions this season.
AmaZulu’s win moves them closer to the top four, while Siwelele must address their scoring drought ahead of upcoming fixtures. Both teams return to action next weekend, with AmaZulu facing Richards Bay in a KZN derby on Friday, 28 November, and Siwelele hosting Chippa United in Bloemfontein the next day.

Player Ratings: Standouts and Struggles on Both Sides

The Citizen provided ratings out of 10 for Siwelele’s players, reflecting a mixed performance where defence held firm but attack fell short.

Damian Willemse 8: Excellent all around, safe under high balls, and scored a fine try in the corner.
Canan Moodie 8: Impressive on wing or centre, high jumps, strong defence, and active everywhere.
Jesse Kriel 7: Hard-working in defence with tackles and darting runs.
Damian de Allende 7: Regular hard carries, powerful breaks, and key tackles.
Cheslin Kolbe 6: Mixed bag, little ball, missed early tackles but made important ones later.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 7: Lucky escape on shoulder charge, average kicking, but great run for a try.
Cobus Reinach 7: Busy at rucks, good try from awareness, but kicking average.
Jasper Wiese 7: Numerous tackles, breakdown penalty, regular carries.
Pieter-Steph du Toit 8: Lineout star with wins and steals, busy in loose.
Siya Kolisi 6: Few strong carries, good leadership decisions.
Ruan Nortje 8: Brilliant lineouts, tackles, key kick-off receiver.
Eben Etzebeth 7: Powerful lineouts, pressure on opponents.
Thomas du Toit 9: Scrum platform, turnovers, big tackles.
Malcolm Marx 8: Excellent lineouts bar late errors, multiple tackles.
Boan Venter 7: Strong scrums, but missed tackle led to try.
The bench rated 8 overall, with Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw dominating scrums, RG Snyman with special offloads, Kwagga Smith tackling fiercely, and others contributing solidly.
For AmaZulu, Maqokolo’s brace earned him man-of-the-match honours, while Ekstein’s assists and Johnson’s saves were crucial.
Siwelele FC’s Background: A Reborn Club with Historic Roots
Siwelele FC, based in Bloemfontein, carries the spirit of the beloved Bloemfontein Celtic, which folded after financial woes. Unveiled in August 2025, the club acquired SuperSport United’s Premier Soccer League status, preserving the green bloodline and identity of the original side. Known as Phunya Sele Sele, Siwelele aims to honour Celtic’s legacy while building a new era.
The team competes in the Betway Premiership, with a squad blending experience and youth. Key players like Goss in goal and Kolisi in the forwards have roots in South African rugby, but the focus is on climbing the log. Their 2025/26 season stats show 3 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses so far, placing them mid-table.
Betway Premiership Standings: AmaZulu Climb, Siwelele Stuck in Mid-Table
After this result, AmaZulu sit fifth with 21 points from 12 games, closing in on the top spots held by Mamelodi Sundowns (25 points), Orlando Pirates (22), and Kaizer Chiefs (22). Siwelele remain 10th with 13 points from 14 outings, needing wins to push for higher positions.
The league’s top scorers like Bradley Grobler (6 goals) highlight Siwelele’s goal drought, with just seven scored this season. Upcoming matches offer chances to turn things around, but consistency is key in a competitive table.

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AmaZulu Ends Siwelele’s Unbeaten Streak with Convincing 2-0 Win in Betway Premiership Thriller

AmaZulu

Player Ratings: Standouts and Struggles on Both Sides

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