Pule Ekstein brace inspires AmaZulu to long-awaited win over Stellenbosch

AmaZulu finally broke their barren run against Stellenbosch FC with a hard-fought 2-1 win at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

Arthur Zwane’s side, desperate to end years of frustration against their Western Cape rivals, seized control of the game late in the first half thanks to the experience of two seasoned campaigners.

On the stroke of halftime, new signing Thabiso Kutumela delivered a pinpoint cross that split the Stellies defence, leaving Pule Ekstein with the simplest of finishes for the opener.

Seconds later, the visitors were still reeling when the 34-year-old midfielder struck again. Cutting inside from the flank, Ekstein curled his effort beyond a diving Sage Stephens to double Usuthu’s lead and send the KwaMashu crowd into raptures.

Stellenbosch responded after the restart, with coach Steve Barker introducing fresh legs in a bid to spark a comeback.

AmaZulu Academy product Langelihle Phili, ironically a former AmaZulu youngster, made an instant impact off the bench in the 52nd minute. The 21-year-old weaved his way past defenders before unleashing a powerful finish to halve the deficit — his third goal of the campaign.

The goal injected life into Stellies, who began asking more questions of the AmaZulu defence, but Zwane’s men stood firm. Kutumela and Thando Ngwenya worked tirelessly upfront in a 3-5-2 system, while the backline absorbed late pressure to ensure the three points stayed in Durban.

For AmaZulu, this victory was more than just three points — it was a statement of intent after their MTN8 exit and a symbolic end to their Stellies hoodoo.

Over at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex, Richards Bay were held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy.