MFC opens with a bang

The 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship opened with a bang this weekend, with Highbury FC, Real Native, Hope FC, Leicesterford City and Magesi FC all claiming Matchday 1 victories.

The action got underway on Friday with Real Native upsetting Cape Town City 2-1 at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, thanks to goals from Sphamandla Mlilo and Xolani Slawula, while Venda FC and Lerumo Lions drew 1-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

A busy Saturday was headlined by Highbury winning 2-1 away to The Bees at the Kanyamazane Stadium, thanks to a brace from Unathi Funani, while Hungry Lions and Gomora FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium.

Elsewhere, Hope FC marked their debut in the second tier with a 1-0 win over University of Pretoria at the Athlone Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Tauric Gamildien; Magesi FC won 1-0 away to Midlands Wanderers at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium thanks to Nyakala Raphadu; Leicesterford City trumped Orbit College 1-0 at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium (Kavendree Makhene with the goal); and North West University were held 1-1 at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium by Upington City.

The MFC continues with Matchday 2, which will be held next weekend on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August.

MFC weekend results

Friday 21 August

Real Native 2-1 Cape Town City

Venda FC 1-1 Lerumo Lions

Saturday 22 August

Hope FC 1-0 University of Pretoria

Hungry Lions 2-2 Gomora FC

Leicesterford City 1-0 Orbit College

Midlands Wanderers 0-1 Magesi FC

NWU FC 1-1 Upington City

The Bees 1-2 Highbury FC