Mthombeni predicts tight Motsepe Foundation Championship after 2-1 win

Mthombeni expects the Motsepe Foundation Championship to be closely contested this season after Real Natives began their 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Cape Town City on Friday. Natives secured the result at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga.

He pointed to the quality being assembled across the division, naming Orbit, Magesi, Cape Town City and the University of Pretoria among the teams likely to compete strongly. Mthombeni also highlighted Tuks’ recruitment of young players who are comfortable in possession.

Real Natives, he said, have combined youth with experience in their own squad. The senior players are expected to provide leadership, while the team’s opening win offered an early reward after a difficult contest against City.

Natives had to deal with Cape Town City’s aerial threat during the match, but managed to limit its impact. The result gives them a positive start, while other opening-weekend outcomes included Magesi’s 1-0 away win against Midlands Wanderers and Orbit’s 1-0 defeat to Leicesterford City.

The victory also carried significance after Natives’ previous campaign ended without promotion or a place in the playoffs. They reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last season, but missed important penalties during the campaign. In Friday’s match, a late penalty presented another decisive moment.

Mthombeni left the choice of taker to the senior players, who selected Silawula. He was pleased with the decision, viewing it as evidence of the responsibility expected from the experienced members of the squad. The earlier penalty misses, he said, belong to the past, with the focus now on a stronger league campaign.