Lamontville Golden Arrows FC claimed their first Betway Premiership win of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night. The key goal came from substitute Sede Junior Dion in the 70th minute at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, lifting Abafana Bes’thende to sixth in the league table.
The breakthrough arrived when Thokozani Khumalo delivered a cross from the right flank. Ivorian-born forward Dion, who had entered the match just six minutes earlier, found the finish. This win gives Golden Arrows a record of one win and three draws from their opening four games, putting them on six points. They currently sit four points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates.
The first half saw both teams create opportunities but fail to convert. Arrows had an early chance when Thokozani Khumalo forced a save from Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Stellenbosch responded with Raoul Daniels lifting a shot over the bar and Sinoxolo Kwayiba missing a close-range header. Arrows defender Themba Mantshiyane headed a corner narrowly wide ten minutes before the break, and Sabelo Sithole fired off target in added time, leaving it 0-0 at halftime.
Coach Steve Komphela made a tactical change at the interval, bringing on Dlamini for Barry. The decisive move came in the 64th minute when Dion and P. Khumalo were introduced for Gasa and Sithole. The substitution paid immediate dividends. Dion’s goal was his second decisive strike in a week, having also scored the winner in the recent MTN8 Top Eight victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
This result is significant for Golden Arrows' early-season position. The three points propel them to sixth place in the Premier Soccer League. More importantly, it gives the squad confidence after a series of draws. Their defensive record remains strong, with zero goals conceded in league play so far for a +1 goal difference.
For Stellenbosch FC, this was a second defeat of the campaign, leaving them in 11th place. They made multiple changes in search of an equalizer, bringing on Genino Palace, Kgaogelo Ramashu, and veteran Bradley Grobler after going behind, but could not break down a resolute Arrows defense.
Sede Junior Dion was the match-winner. His partnership with provider Thokozani Khumalo proved decisive. The assist was a moment of quality from Khumalo, who was later replaced by Van Rooi in the 89th minute. The defensive unit, marshaled by Mantshiyane, deserves credit for maintaining a clean sheet under pressure. For full details on the squad, visit our squad section.
Both managers use their benches heavily. Stellenbosch made three changes at halftime, introducing Lebitso and Du Preez for Nkwali and Plaatjies. Arrows' final change saw Radzhadzhi replace Maxwele in the 79th minute as they managed the game to its conclusion.
The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum. Golden Arrows' next fixture is a major test at home against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 6 September. That match will be a true measure of their progress. Before that, Stellenbosch will try to rebound in an away match against Durban City on 1 September. Arrows will aim to build on their solid start, where they have scored one goal and conceded none in the league. Fans can look ahead to the upcoming challenge by viewing the fixtures.
