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

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.

On the stroke of halftime, Ekstein threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Maqokola. The 23-year-old winger took the pass in his stride, lifted his finish over the advancing Ricardo Goss, and sent the home support into celebration. It was his third goal in five matches and a continuation of his rapid upward trajectory.

The second half saw Siwelele attempt to regain control, with coach Lehlohonolo Seema introducing Lyle Lakay and Vincent Pule in search of more thrust in the final third. But AmaZulu now carried a composure and structure that prevented the visitors from building meaningful momentum.

The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute. A defensive mistake inside the box gifted Maqokola an opening, and the winger reacted instantly, muscling past a back-tracking defender before rifling a low shot beyond Goss to complete his brace. The goal reflected his hunger, sharpness and growing maturity.

With a two-goal cushion, AmaZulu managed the remainder of the match professionally, limiting Siwelele to half-chances while maintaining discipline in midfield and defence. Johnson remained largely untested in the closing stages, a testament to the hosts’ improved organisation.

The result ensures AmaZulu are back on track in terms of home form in the Betway Premiership and reinforces their momentum under Arthur Zwane. With Maqokola in electric form and the team showing balance across the pitch, Usuthu appear to be building something steady and sustainable.