The Bloemfontein outfit picked up three valuable points to climb to 10th on the log, and more importantly, they now sit just two points outside the top eight.

Orbit College burst out of the blocks and nearly caught the hosts cold inside the opening minute. Midfielder Lesedi Kapinga had an early sighter, unleashing a right-footed effort from range that signalled the visitors’ attacking intent. Katlego Mkhabela also looked sharp in the early exchanges, but Orbit were unable to convert their promising moments into clear-cut chances.

Chibuike Ohizu scored the match-winning goal in the 10th minute. Photo: Morgan Piek

Despite the lively start from the visitors, it was Siwelele who struck first, somewhat against the run of play. The decisive moment arrived in the 10th minute when Chibuike Ohizu finished off a slick counter-attack with a composed right-footed strike from the edge of the box to hand the hosts the lead.

The goal-settling Siwelele gradually took control of possession as the first half wore on. Clear opportunities remained scarce for both sides, but the home team dictated the tempo while Orbit were often forced onto the back foot.

Orbit tried to lift the intensity after the break and showed good energy early in the second half, but they struggled to seriously test Siwelele and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

Neo Rapoo having a crack on goal from a long-range freekick. Photo: Morgan Piek

Siwelele almost doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Siyabonga Ndebele rose well at a set-piece, only to see his powerful header crash against the crossbar – a let-off for the visitors.

As the game edged towards its conclusion, Siwelele pushed forward in search of a second goal to put the result beyond doubt. Kgaogelo Sekgota, Gamphani Lungu and Manelis Mazibuko all had efforts on goal as the pressure mounted.

Orbit, meanwhile, battled to create meaningful chances throughout the match. Siwelele finished with 14 attempts on goal compared to Orbit’s eight, underlining the hosts’ greater attacking threat.

Katlego Mokhuoane with one of Siwelele’s 14 shots on goal. Photo: Morgan Piek

The victory sees Siwelele return to winning ways after recent draws against Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates, lifting them to 10th on the standings.

For Orbit College, the defeat leaves them languishing in 15th place on 18 points, having now lost three of their last five league matches. 

The result could also offer some relief to fellow Bloemfontein side Marumo Gallants, who are level on points but remain just outside the relegation zone thanks to a slightly better goal difference than the Rustenburg-based outfit.

Siwelele’s next league outing is on 7 April, when they travel to Gqeberha to face Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg