The Rand water maintenance in Johannesburg, currently taking place (29 May – 2 June), not only affected most of the households and the city’s activities in Gauteng, but even football itself faced disruptions in the Gauteng Development League (GDL), resulting in a few matches being played over the weekend.
Although water maintenance affected the majority of the games, Siwelele has ascended to the top position, overtaking Rockefvs, who had been leading the GDL in recent weeks. On Sunday, Siwelele secured a 7-0 win over Rockefvs in a Pretoria derby.
While Rockefvs demonstrated considerable improvement in their second participation in the GDL season after earning promotion at the conclusion of 2024, they surprised many this year by winning early matches and briefly claiming the top spot from Siwelele. However, Siwelele has once again reclaimed that position after defeating their Pretoria rivals.
Lebohang Mobe opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Kyle Troskie, who netted the second goal. Both initial goals were assisted by Onthathile Lemao. Lemao also provided the assist for the third goal in the 24th minute, which was scored by Lesego Moake.
Just before halftime, Troskie and Siyabonga Msimango added the fourth and fifth goals for Siwelele, with both assists credited to Lizalize Mahumza. In the second half, Sethu Sibiya and Mobe, who scored his second goal of the match, secured the victory for the current frontrunners.
On Saturday, Randburg, currently in fifth place, scored a 3-0 victory over Wits Juniors. Junior Muntanga scored two goals, and Anam Nkele netted the final goal of the match.
After a sluggish beginning to the new season, the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have now moved to third place, a position they are more accustomed to. On Saturday, the Brazilians secured a 3-0 victory against Joburg City. Zayyan Nizamdin netted the opening goal just ten minutes into the game, assisted by Nkanyiso Maqhasha. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Ntokozo Madondo extended the lead for Downs, and six minutes later, Ishaam Tilling sealed the victory with an assist from Sbusisio Tolomane.
In other Saturday matches, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) scored a 2-0 win over the University of Pretoria (Tuks). Nceba Jozela provided the assist for the first goal, which was scored by Enslee Oliphant. Jozela later scored a goal himself, assisted by Gontse Makgamathe.
At home in Naturena, Kaizer Chiefs also secured a 2-0 victory against Future of Africa.
Saturday, 30 May
RESA 2-0 Tuks
Randburg 3-0 Wits Juniors
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Joburg City
Kazier Chiefs 2-0 Future of Africa
Sunday, 31 May
Siwelele, 7-0 Rockefvs
