Athini Maqokola delivered a standout performance with a brace as AmaZulu eased to a 2–0 victory over Siwelele at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Siwelele started brightly and forced Darren Johnson into early saves from Siviwe Magidigidi and Christian Saile, but AmaZulu gradually settled, with Maqokola at the heart of their best moments. After threatening with a curling effort in the 43rd minute, he broke the deadlock just before half-time.
On the stroke of 45 minutes, a swift transition saw Hendrick Ekstein drive forward and slide the ball into Maqokola’s path. The midfielder took a touch and arrowed a superb right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner, giving Usuthu a 1–0 lead at the interval.
Both coaches made changes at half-time, with Tebogo Mashigo introduced for Elmo Kambindu and Vincent Pule and Lyle Lakay coming on for Siwelele. The visitors pushed hard after the break, testing Johnson again through Tebogo Potsane and Relebogile Mokhuoane, but the AmaZulu keeper was equal to the task.
AmaZulu then tightened their grip on the contest in the 73rd minute. Mashigo combined neatly with Maqokola, who timed his run perfectly and finished coolly from the centre of the box to double the advantage and complete his brace.
Despite late pressure and the introduction of Samir Nurković, Siwelele could not find a way past Johnson, while Usuthu managed the game well, using their bench to see out the result. Maqokola’s two goals and an organised defensive display secured a deserved three points for the hosts.
Line-ups
AmaZulu FC
Starting XI:
16 Darren Johnson (GK); 14 Nkosikhona Radebe, 4 Riaan Hanamub, 42 Sandile Mthethwa, 12 Taariq Fielies;
17 Liam Bern, 6 S. Hlangabeza, 27 Hendrick Ekstein, 2 Athini Maqokola, 36 Minenhle Ngcobo;
93 Elmo Kambindu.
Substitutes:
19 Sphamandla Zikhali, 11 A. Sithole, 23 T. Ngwenya, 35 A. Mzobe, 22 Bayanda Thabede,
1 Olwethu Mzimela, 20 Tebogo Masuku, 25 Wandile Dube, 21 T. Matlhoko.
Siwelele
Starting XI:
13 Ricardo Goss (GK); 22 Yandisa Mfolozi, 4 Pogiso Sanoka, 3 Neo Rapoo, 5 Thabo Makhele;
23 Grant Margeman, 11 Christian Basomboli, 16 Tebogo Potsane, 15 Relebogile Mokhuoane,
6 Gape Moralo; 25 Siviwe Magidigidi.
Substitutes:
10 Vincent Pule, 30 S. Xulo Xulu, 7 Lyle Lakay, 18 Siphelele Luthuli,
2 Nyiko Mobbie, 29 A. Baliti, 27 K. Khonyane, 9 Samir Nurković.