Golden Arrows Soar with Back-to-Back Wins After Crushing Orbit College 3-0 in Betway Premiership Thriller
Golden Arrows have finally hit their stride in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, picking up consecutive victories for the first time with a dominant 3-0 thrashing of newcomers Orbit College at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Following their eye-catching 1-0 upset over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek, Abafana Bes’thende put on a show led by the brilliant Siyanda Ndlovu, who grabbed a goal and two assists in a performance that lit up the home crowd. This result pushes Arrows up to fifth on the log, at least for now, while Orbit slump to their sixth loss in nine games, sitting 12th and just three points above the bottom.
The win on 27 September 2025 underlines Arrows’ growing confidence under coach Mabhuti Khenyeza, who has turned early draws into solid points. For Orbit, the defeat exposes the harsh realities of top-flight football, as they struggle to find form after promotion. With both sides eyeing Carling Knockout action next weekend, this match served as a timely boost for Arrows and a wake-up call for the Mswenko Boys.
Fast Start Sets the Tone for Arrows’ Dominance
Arrows wasted no time asserting control, racing to a 1-0 lead in just the fourth minute. Siyanda Ndlovu stole possession on the edge of the box and unselfishly squared for Sede Junior Dion to tap into an empty net – the Ivorian’s fifth goal of the season. It was a dream opener that set the home side’s attacking tone.
Ndlovu turned from provider to scorer in the 23rd minute, doubling the lead with a clinical finish. A quick free-kick from Philangenkosi Khumalo released him down the right, and he powered a shot into the top corner past Orbit keeper Sabelo Nkomo. The goal highlighted Ndlovu’s all-round game, as he tormented the visitors’ defence throughout.
Orbit tried to respond but found Arrows’ backline solid. The hosts went close again before halftime, but held a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the break.
Second-Half Changes and Karelse’s Sealer Complete the Rout
Khenyeza rang the changes at halftime, bringing on Thabo Matlaba, Isaacs Cisse, and Nduduzo Sibiya to freshen things up. By the 62nd minute, all five subs were on, with Jerome Karelse and Alwande Booysen joining the fray.
Arrows nearly added a third midway through the second half when Karelse set up Sbonele Cele, whose shot from the left drew a fine save from Nkomo. The pressure paid off in the 72nd minute, as Ndlovu’s surging run down the right teed up Karelse for an easy finish, making it 3-0.
Orbit offered little threat, and Arrows cruised to the whistle. The only sour note came late when Booysen was stretchered off with a thigh injury, leaving the hosts with 10 men for the final moments.
Standout Performers and Tactical Insights
Ndlovu was the star, with his goal and two assists earning rave reviews. “Siyanda Ndlovu (formerly Mthanti), who registered two assists and a goal,” as the query notes, underlining his impact. Dion’s early strike kept his hot streak alive, while Karelse’s sub appearance added spark.
For Orbit, Nkomo’s saves kept the score respectable, but their attack fizzled. Coach Kaiser Motaung Jr. will rue a lack of cutting edge, as his side failed to build on midweek form.
Khenyeza’s bold subs showed trust in his squad depth, paying off with the third goal. Orbit’s unchanged lineup from their last win couldn’t match the hosts’ energy.
Post-Match Buzz and League Implications
Social media lit up with praise for Arrows’ display. One fan posted: “That Golden Arrows FC Facebook social media page after the Orbit College FC match…” with celebratory images. Khenyeza hailed the team’s “flying start” and Ndlovu’s excellence, while Motaung called for better finishing from his side.
The win moves Arrows to fifth temporarily, with 13 points from seven games, keeping them in the mix early on. Orbit’s sixth defeat drops them to 12th, three points above the drop zone, highlighting promotion struggles.
Both teams shift focus to the Carling Knockout next Saturday: Arrows host Sekhukhune United, while Orbit face TS Galaxy.
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