Opening Weekend Results: MTN8 Competition Kickoff
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is back in action this weekend, and fans are in for a treat as teams showcase their skills on the pitch. However, some concerns have been raised about the condition of the quarter-final surfaces, with Saturday's pitch being particularly neglected, and better playing surfaces being desperately needed.
In the midst of these concerns, Sekhukhune United made history with their first game win when losing by 2-0 or more. Eric Tinkler's side managed to turn the tables, thanks to the impressive performance of Bradley Grobler, who scored a brace on his debut for the club. At 37 years old and in his 19th PSL season, Grobler's performance silenced any doubts about his ability to perform at a higher level. His two goals helped Sekhukhune United win from a 2-0 deficit, marking a historic first for the team.
Grobler's brace also moved him up to the third spot in the list of highest goal scorers in the PSL era, behind Shalulile (128) and Nomvethe (129). It's worth noting that Nomvethe is the all-time leading scorer in the PSL with over 120 goals.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns, who were without Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro, managed to secure a 4-0 win. Iqraam Rayners stepped up to the plate, leading the team to victory and reminding fans of the team's depth. Rayners' performance was so impressive that he was named Man of the Match. In addition, his 25 goals in Cup competitions in his PSL career tie him with Khama Billiat and Raphael Chukwu for the most goals scored in Cup competitions in a PSL career.
On the other hand, AmaZulu put up a decent performance but failed to take their chances, resulting in a loss. Despite this setback, the team showed potential, particularly in a glorious late chance in regulation time.
Orlando Pirates, under the guidance of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, face a challenging task ahead. Ouaddou aims to surpass the five trophies won by his predecessor, the joint-most titles by a Pirates coach in history.
Finally, Oswin Appollis made a strong debut for his new club, scoring a goal on his debut and being named Man of the Match. This was Appollis' first club goal since January, potentially silencing any doubts about his ability to perform at a bigger club.
TS Galaxy, who have not lost a game since their top-flight promotion in 2020, suffered their first defeat when leading 2-0. Despite this setback, the team will undoubtedly bounce back, as they continue to show their resilience on the pitch.
Football was a focal point in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this weekend, with Sekhukhune United making history by winning their first game after being 2-0 or more down, thanks to Bradley Grobler's brace on his debut for the club. Grobler's impressive performance not only helped United secure the victory but also moved him up to the third spot in the list of highest goal scorers in the PSL era, behind Shalulile (128) and Nomvethe (129), with Nomvethe being the all-time leading scorer in the PSL with over 120 goals.
