AmaZulu FC closed out their 2025 Betway Premiership calendar year in style, edging Golden Arrows 1–0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday night — a result powered by a breathtaking Riaan Hanamub strike that lifted Usuthu into third place on the log.
Arthur Zwane’s side now sit just one point behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns heading into the festive break, with their next league assignment set for 25 January at home to TS Galaxy.
Golden Arrows, meanwhile, finish the year in 10th position and resume their campaign on 20 January away to Kaizer Chiefs.
Goalkeeping Blow, Penalty Miss, and a Moment of Magic
AmaZulu’s evening took an early knock when first-choice goalkeeper Darren Johnson suffered an injury and was withdrawn in the 27th minute. Young Olwethu Mzimela stepped in — and would later deliver a standout cameo.
Arrows pushed hard before halftime and were handed a golden chance in stoppage time when Siyanda Ndlovu was brought down in the area. But Sede Dion smashed his penalty against the crossbar, allowing Usuthu to escape into the break level at 0–0.
Then came the decisive moment.
In the 56th minute, Namibian fullback Riaan Hanamub drifted inside and unleashed an unstoppable right-footed rocket — his weaker foot — past Xolani Ngcobo. Liam Bern, lively all game, supplied the assist as AmaZulu surged into the lead.
Mzimela’s Heroics Seal the Points
With Arrows scrambling for an equaliser, Manqoba Mngqithi turned to Brandon Theron for fresh impetus. But Mzimela produced two superb saves in the 79th minute, denying both Angelo Van Rooi and Theron in a rapid-fire sequence that kept AmaZulu ahead.
Usuthu stayed composed through the final stretch, shutting down Arrows’ late threats to secure a vital victory that tightens the chase at the top of the table.
FULL-TIME
Golden Arrows 0–1 AmaZulu FC
Scorer: Hanamub (56’)
LINE-UPS
Golden Arrows: Ngcobo; Komara, Cisse (Sibiya 67’), Phillips (Theron 67’), Jiyane; Ndlovu (Nguse 85’), Dlamini, S. Cele (Mafuleka 85’); Van Rooi, Dion, Maxwele (Radebe 74’)
AmaZulu: Johnson (Mzimela 27’); Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hlangabeza; Bern (Zikhali 89’), Ngcobo (Dube 46’), Ngwenya (Ekstein 46’); Maqokolo, Mashigo (Moon 85’)
UPDATED BETWAY PREMIERSHIP LOG (TOP 6)
Orlando Pirates – 28 pts
Mamelodi Sundowns – 25 pts
AmaZulu FC – 24 pts
Sekhukhune United – 22 pts
Kaizer Chiefs – 22 pts
TS Galaxy – 20 pts