Goals from Brite de Lange and Mokibelo Ramabu gave the home side the crucial three points and a good platform to build from.
It was not a good beginning however for Eastern Cape’s BCM Stars that lost 1-0 to Platinum City Rovers, while Mangaung United overcame Umvoti FC 2-1 in the other match of the day.
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Mangaung United took the lead on the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Sizwe Mkhwanazi. Umvoti FC fought back in the second half and were rewarded when striker Sandile Goqo finished clinically in the 58th minute from close range to set up a tense finish.
However, Mangaung United had the last laugh when Vuyisile Wana scored the winner in the 78th minute from a swift counter-attack. Safa’s competitions committee member, Brains Zulu, was very impressed with the standard of football displayed on day one of the play-offs.
“We witnessed some beautiful, fast-paced and exciting football today. I believe the winner of this year’s tournament will have to push very hard for the title as all teams are hungry to win and gain promotion to the National First Division,” said Zulu.
The two finalists of the ongoing playoffs will gain automatic promotion to the GladAfrica Championships for the 2021/22 season. The final will be played on Saturday July 3 at Mbombela Stadium.