By Katleho Chitja
BLOEMFONTEIN – Siwelele FC secured their first win of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season with a stoppage-time goal to beat Polokwane City FC 1-0 at Toyota Stadium on Sunday.
The victory came in the eighth round of fixtures after Siwelele collected just three points from their opening seven matches, leaving them desperate to deliver a win for their supporters.
The hosts created early opportunities through Manelis Mazibuko and Christian Saile in the 16th and 17th minutes, respectively, but neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Polokwane City threatened after the restart, prompting Siwelele to make three substitutions in the 67th minute as they searched for a breakthrough.
With the match heading towards a goalless draw, substitute Michel N’Guessan struck in stoppage time, finishing a move assisted by Tebogo Potsane to secure all three points for the hosts.
Siwelele coach Godfrey Motsoetsa said the team had worked for three weeks without being placed under pressure to deliver results.
“I spoke to the players. We have been working for three weeks, but I never put pressure on them in terms of the results. I wanted them to work freely. It was only today, during our pre-match talk, that I told them how important it was to win this game, especially for the supporters, because all they are asking for is three points,” said Motsoetsa during the post-match media conference.
Potsane was named Player of the Match for his performance, including the assist for the winning goal.
“This is a marathon and we will keep pushing. We worked on defending and scoring during the international break, which were the areas where we struggled most. You can expect more wins and Man of the Match accolades,” said Potsane.
The win lifted Siwelele to 14th place on the log with six points after eight matches, providing a much-needed boost ahead of a demanding run of league fixtures against Marumo Gallants FC away, Orlando Pirates at home and Sekhukhune United FC away.
Siwelele will face Polokwane City again this weekend in the Carling Knockout Cup.
