Magesi drop points for the first time

Hope FC © Backpagepix

Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship saw leaders Magesi FC drop points for the first time, as they were held at home by Hungry Lions.

Dikwena tsa Meetse saw their winning run paused at four matches after they could only draw 1-1 with Lions at the Seshego Stadium in Sunday’s only match. Magesi claimed the lead via an own goal after a corner kick by Tshepo Mashigo in the first half, but the visitors struck back just past the hour mark to earn a share of the spoils.

The result saw Magesi remain on top, with a one-point lead over nearest chaser Real Native, while Lions claimed 10th spot.

The weekend opened on Friday with Real Native claiming second place outright with a 2-0 home win over Venda FC at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, courtesy of goals from Lungelo Dondolo and Leletu Skelem, while Highbury FC lost further momentum with a goalless stalemate at home to Gomora United at the NMU Stadium.

Saturday’s headline match came from the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, where Upington City and University of Pretoria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Bongane Mambane (two) and Palelo Mafuyeka scored for the hosts, while Tuks struck via Roy-Keane Avontuur, Aphelele Teto and Leandro de Sousa.

Elsewhere, Leicesterford City, Hope FC and The Bees claimed 1-0 home wins over Midlands Wanderers, Orbit College and Lerumo Lions respectively, while Cape Town City were held 0-0 away to NWU FC at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground – leaving them two points adrift of the promotion places (top three).

The MFC will now break for the international window, returning with Matchday 6 fixtures on the weekend of 10-11 October.

Motsepe Foundation Championship weekend results

Friday, 18 September

Real Native 2-0 Venda FC

Highbury FC 0-0 Gomora United

Saturday, 19 September

Hope FC 1-0 Orbit College

The Bees 1-0 Lerumo Lions

NWU 0-0 Cape Town City

Upington City 3-3 University of Pretoria

Leicesterford City 1-0 Midlands Wanderers

Sunday, 20 September

Magesi FC 1-1 Hungry Lions