AmaZulu's red-hot Athini Maqokola sinks Siwelele FC on Premiership return

AmaZulu's Athini Maqokola celebrates after scoring in the Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC. AmaZulu returned from the international break with a controlled and convincing 2-0 win over Siwelele FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon, led by a match-winning brace from the in-form Athini Maqokola. The Durban side did not start the match with the authority they finished it with, but their performance was enough to lift them to fifth on the Betway Premiership table. In the early exchanges, Siwelele were the sharper and more aggressive side, using their pace and direct play to stretch Usuthu's defensive structure. Within the first 25 minutes, the visitors produced five attempts on goal, signalling their intention to dictate the tempo. AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson was called into action twice during that spell, making important saves to deny Siwelele a breakthrough. Those stops provided the foundation AmaZulu needed to settle into the game and regain tactical control after a shaky opening quarter. As the half progressed, Usuthu grew in confidence. The midfield began to move the ball with greater clarity, and their attacking shape started to trouble Siwelele's back line. Pule Ekstein, dropping between the lines, became increasingly influential, and it was his moment of precision that unlocked the match.