Betway Premiership: Stellenbosch, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay Turn the Tide with Crucial Victories

The Betway Premiership midweek fixtures brought much-needed relief for three sides chasing momentum, with Stellenbosch, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay all walking away with vital wins. Elsewhere, Durban City and Polokwane City shared the points in a tense stalemate.

Stellies Break The Drought

At Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch finally shook off their shaky start to the season. After two defeats and a draw in their opening fixtures, fans were desperate for a turnaround. They got their wish thanks to substitute Langelihle Phili, who came off the bench and scored the decisive goal just after the break.

The roar from the home crowd when Phili’s strike hit the net told the story relief more than celebration. Stellenbosch needed this. Marumo Gallants, who had collected six points from their earlier games, stumbled to their second defeat, proving that early-season momentum can be fragile.

Mahlambi Lifts The Rockets

In Mbombela, it was the Seluleko Mahlambi show. The forward scored a brace to hand TS Galaxy a comfortable 2-0 win over newly promoted Siwelele. His header midway through the first half set the tone, and his second, on the stroke of halftime, all but sealed the match.

The Rockets, often an unpredictable side in recent seasons, seem to be finding rhythm with back-to-back victories. For Siwelele, though, reality is biting hard. After the buzz of their top-flight return and a win on opening day, they now find themselves nursing three straight defeats.

Richards Bay Off The Mark

At Princess Magogo Stadium, Richards Bay finally had something to cheer about. Their first three games brought nothing but disappointment, but a 1-0 win over Chippa United gave the Natal Rich Boyz both their first points and first victory of the campaign.

It wasn’t a goal to remember for its beauty, but Gabadinho Mhango will take it. Pouncing on a defensive mishap between Chippa’s Nathan Fasika and his goalkeeper, Mhango slotted home into an empty net in stoppage-time of the first half. The Chilli Boys, meanwhile, remain without a win after four matches, sitting worryingly at the bottom of the standings.

What Fans Are Saying

On social media, Stellies fans expressed cautious optimism, calling Phili’s winner a “turning point” for their season. TS Galaxy supporters were quick to hail Mahlambi as their “new talisman,” while Siwelele’s loyal base urged patience, reminding fellow fans that “promotion seasons are always tough.”

Chippa fans, however, were less forgiving. One supporter summed it up bluntly on X: “Four games, no wins. This script feels all too familiar.”

The Bigger Picture

The Premiership season is still young, but these results highlight how quickly fortunes can shift. Stellenbosch and Richards Bay found lifelines, TS Galaxy look to be building confidence, while Gallants, Siwelele and Chippa United are already facing questions about depth and consistency.

For supporters across the country, it’s another reminder of why South African football keeps us hooked: unpredictable storylines, moments of brilliance, and the constant drama of survival and success.

Source: SABC Sport 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com