With their new coach, Paul Dolezar, coaching from the stands, Bloemfontein Celtic beat newly promoted Tembisa Classic 1-0 in an entertaining opening game of the Castle Premier Soccer League (PSL) played at the Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on Sunday afternoon.
Siyabonga Nkosi scored the only goal in the 14th minute, beating Classic goalkeeper Colen Makhanya at far corner right.
But while his team held on for victory, Dolezar had to wave his baton from the stands.
”Management failed to arrange my work permit. I wasn’t able to use some of the other players, as their papers are also not yet in order.”
Meanwhile, Yizo Yizo have only themselves to blame for their defeat as they should have been ahead in the ninth minute after having been awarded a penalty following Celtic defender Jerry Merahe tripping Calvin Sosibo in the box.
Referee Peter Mabuza immediately pointed to the spot, but the chance was wasted when striker Collen Zimba shot wide of the post.
Classic coach Sello Mahlangu, a teacher by profession, made a double substitute early in the second half, introducing Hitler Makosane for the injured Jakhonia Cibi and Thabelo Mngomezulu for Letladi Madubanya, but they failed to make a difference.
At the other end, Celtic kept up the pressure but fortunately for the home team, Makhanya stood firm.
Victory for Sundowns
Big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns needed a last-gasp goal from Surprise Moriri to earn a hard-fought 1-0 win over Silver Stars in their opening Castle Premiership fixture on Sunday.
There was no score at half-time.
With the match heading for a stalemate, Moriri — a former Stars striker — managed to get the important goal and give Sundowns three valuable points to kick-start their league campaign.
Downs, Kaizer Chiefs (the defending champions) and Orlando Pirates are the three early-season favourites to challenge for the title at the end of May in what promises to be the toughest season in PSL history. — Sapa