Stellenbosch and Galaxy share spoils in tight Danie Craven stalemate

Stellenbosch FC squandered a golden opportunity to break into the top eight of the Betway Premiership on Friday night, playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium.

#BetwayPrem – RESULT:

Wonderboy Makhubu’s equaliser sees @StellenboschFC fight back to earn a point as the teams share the spoils tonight. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/AAtvI6MWBw

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 13, 2026

The result sees the status quo maintained in the middle of the log; the Maroons remain in ninth place with 24 points from 20 matches, while the Rockets hold onto the final top-eight spot, sitting one point ahead in eighth having played an extra game.

Early Shock for the Hosts – Stellenbosch

Gavin Hunt’s men, who came into the tie seeking to extend their unbeaten league run, were stunned within the opening sixty seconds. Before the home fans could even settle into their seats, Junior Zindoga capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot a right-footed shot into the centre of the goal, giving TS Galaxy a dream 1-0 start.

The early goal dictated the tempo of a fractious first half characterised by heavy challenges. Stellenbosch’s Henri Stanic was cautioned as early as the third minute, while Galaxy’s Victor Letsoalo and Igor Salatiel Silva also found their way into the referee’s book before the break. Stellies pushed for an equaliser, but Wonderboy Makhubu saw his goal-bound header brilliantly saved by Ira Tapé in the 43rd minute.

Makhubu Rescues a Point

Hunt rang the changes at halftime, introducing Thabo Moloisane and Tshegofatso Mabasa to inject more urgency. The tactical shift paid dividends in the 57th minute. Wonderboy Makhubu, who had been a constant threat, finally found the net, rising highest in the centre of the box to head home a pinpoint cross from the industrious Devin Titus.

The equaliser set up a frantic final half-hour. Sage Stephens was called into action for the hosts, making a crucial save from Seluleko Mahlambi in the 68th minute to keep the score level. At the other end, Enyinnaya Kazie Godswill came agonisingly close to a winner, but his header from a corner whistled just over the crossbar.

As the clock ticked down, both sides pushed for a winner. Junior Zindoga nearly turned from hero to match-winner for Galaxy in the 90th minute, but his long-range effort sailed just over the bar. Despite the introduction of Kobamelo Kodisang in stoppage time, Stellenbosch could not find the decisive blow.

For Stellenbosch, it is a point gained in their survival-turned-top-eight quest, but they will rue the slow start that forced them to chase the game. For Sead Ramović and TS Galaxy, the draw snaps a five-match losing streak, offering a vital platform as they look to protect their top-eight status.