Stellenbosch claimed a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants at Athlon Stadium on Thursday evening, securing their first win of the Premier Soccer League campaign. The result moves the hosts to 5 points from 5 matches, while the visitors remain on 2 points in 15th place.
Q. Plaatjies opened the scoring in the 13th minute, then doubled his tally before half-time with a second goal in the 28th minute. Stellenbosch led 2-0 at the break, giving them control of the tie early on. Mbhazima Rikhotso received a yellow card just before the interval for the visitors.
Marumo Gallants pulled one back through T. Dhludhlu, who scored twice in quick succession in the 81st and 82nd minutes. The late flurry gave the match some drama, but it was too little, too late for the away side. Plaatjies was substituted in the 67th minute after his hat-trick was complete.
By then, the statistics told a familiar story. Marumo Gallants dominated possession at 59 per cent and recorded 134 attacks compared to 109 for the hosts. They completed 493 passes against 339, yet could only manage 2 shots on target for their 2 goals. Stellenbosch were more efficient, converting 3 of their 4 shots on target.
The visitors had created more big chances—1 compared to 2 for the hosts—but failed to capitalise consistently. Their 21 crosses yielded only 6 successful attempts, while their 18 dribbles produced just 5 successes. The hosts won 30 of 50 aerial duels to the visitors' 20.
This result ends Marumo Gallants' run of unconvincing form. Their last five matches have produced just 2 draws and 3 defeats, including a goalless draw against Stellenbosch in May. The hosts have shown improvement, with their previous fixtures including a 3-3 draw with Polokwane City and a 2-0 win over Orbital College.