Siwelele, who acquired the PSL status of SuperSport United during the off-season in a return to Bloemfontein to continue the rich legacy of Bloemfontein Celtic, claimed a sensational 3-1 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows. The result sent them to the top of the log, even if it was only after the first round.

Nearly 22,000 passionate supporters packed into Rocklands for the historic occasion to welcome their team back, and they certainly played the role of the 12th man.

The @Siwelele_FC @SiweleleFans faithful in full voice at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium - What a night for football in Bloemfontein #Football #PSL #Siwelele #Vibes pic.twitter.com/2ODy9GHhW3

— OFM Sport (@OFMSport) August 10, 2025

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Ghampani Lungu crossed from the left to pick out Vincent Pule at the far post. His header was saved by goalkeeper Edward Maova, but the rebound fell kindly to Siviwe Magidigidi, who volleyed the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

The stadium erupted in celebration as the fans witnessed their team’s first-ever goal in the PSL. Barely two minutes later, the home side struck again. Pule intercepted a poor back pass from Oumar Camara and produced a cool, composed finish to double the lead with a touch of individual brilliance.

Vincent Pule. Photo: Morgan Piek

Arrows gradually worked their way back into the game, but the score remained 2-0 to the hosts at half-time.

The visitors pulled one back in the 50th minute when Keenan Phillips latched onto a perfectly executed free-kick and calmly slotted past Siwelele – and Bafana Bafana – goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Six minutes later, Magidigidi restored Siwelele’s two-goal cushion. He connected with Neo Rapoo’s cross from the right flank and headed home his second of the match, sealing his status as man of the match.

Ricardo Goss. Photo: Morgan Piek

Both teams pushed for more goals in the closing stages, but the night belonged to Siwelele, who marked their return to top-flight domestic football with a statement performance.

Earlier in the day, the other Bloemfontein side, Marumo Gallants, also got off to a winning start, beating Richards Bay FC 2-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, despite captain Edgar Manaka receiving a red card in the 39th minute.

On Tuesday, Gallants host Orlando Pirates in Bloemfontein, while Siwelele travel to Rustenburg to take on newly promoted Orbit College FC.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg