Advertisement

Dion brace sinks Magesi further

football13 February 2026 19:53| © Backpage TXT
Share

Junior Dion bagged two goals to propel himself to the top of the Betway Premiership goal scorers' standings and hand Lamontville Golden Arrows a 2-0 win over struggling Magesi at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.

The man from Chad now sits alone at the top with nine goals, pulling clear of Bradley Grobler.

Advertisement

Arrows ended their run of five league games without a win and took one step closer to the top eight.

As newly appointed head coach Allan Freese watched on from the stands, Magesi registered their eighth game in a row without a win across all competitions. Despite making eight changes from their Nedbank Cup loss last week, Dikwena tša Meetse remain rooted to the bottom of the log.

Siyanda Ndlovu took the first shot at a goal in the 10th minute, breaking through the midfield and attempting what would have been a spectacular strike from 35 yards out, but his effort travelled well off target.

Magesi assistant coach and stand-in head coach Abram Nteo was forced to make an early change in the 11th minute, bringing on Diteboho Mofokeng to replace the injured Lehlegonolo Mokone.

Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa produced a piece of unconvincing goalkeeping in the 22nd minute, misreading Siyabonga Ndlozi’s header across the box.

The goalkeeper came out, leaving his goal open as Kgomotso Mosadi got to the ball first but his header missed the open net.

In the 31st minute, Mfanuvela Mafuleka nearly caught goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze out with his cross looking for Junior Dion at the back post.

His ball floated over the goalkeeper’s head and nearly snuck in but narrowly missed both the goal and Dion.

Dion would get a chance two minutes later, but his acrobatic attempt from the middle of the box flew over the bar.

Having already lost a player to injury, things went from bad to worse for Dikwena tša Meetse who were reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute as Mosadi was shown a second yellow.

DION ON TARGET - TWICE

In the 45th minute, Isaac Cissé shot from centre of the box with power, but his attempt was straight at the Chipezeze, who denied the young Ivorian.

Abafana Bes'thende continued searching for an opener in the second half and nearly found one in the 46th minute. Khulekani Shezi whipped a superb ball in from the right side of the box to Dion in the middle, but he could not make proper contact and the ball rolled softly to Chipezeze.

Dion finally found the back of the net in the 47th minute to go clear at the top of the goalscorers’ chart with his eighth goal of the season. Ayabulela Maxwele stole the ball and burst into the Magesi box, squaring the ball for Dion, who tapped it home to give the visitors the lead.

The striker bagged his second of the game in the 55th minute, with Chipezeze making an uncharacteristic mistake from a cross, spilling the ball and allowing Dion to pounce.

The visitors should have added another in the 60th minute as they stole the ball on the edge of the Magesi area. However, despite their numerical advantage, Angelo van Rooi was too unselfish, passing when he should have shot, and Arrows could not convert.

Arrows’ numbers were pulled level with Magesi in the 62nd minute as Cissé was shown a straight red card for a sliding challenge, despite making minimal contact with Samuel Darpoh.

In the 64th minute, Dion missed an opportunity to claim a hat-trick, sending his right footed shot from the centre of the box over the target.

The hosts produced a chance of their own in the 78th minute as John Mokone had a go from the edge of the area, his thunderous strike travelling narrowly wide.

Mokone’s attempt seemed to galvanise his teammates, who began to push for a goal of their own. However they could not find the back of the net.

Mbanjwa did well to Deny substitute Edmore Chirambadare’s freekick in the dying moments of stoppage time, ensuring a clean sheet for the visitors.

Dikwena tša Meetse will be looking to change their fortunes under Allan Freese, who will take charge of the team for the first time when they face Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday.

Abafana Bes'thende will look to build on their momentum as they host Chippa United at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on 28 February.

Magesi 0

Lamontville Golden Arrows (0) 2 (Dion 47’, 54’)

Magesi: E. Chipezeze, J. Mokone, L. Mokone (D. Mofokeng 11’), M. Buthelezi (M. Vandala 57’), T. Makgoga, T. Mashigo, N. Raphadu (E. Chirambadare 68’), K. Mariba (L. Mtshali 57’), S. Darpoh (T. Masegela 68’), S. Ndlozi, K. Mosadi

Golden Arrows: T. Mbanjwa, M. Mafuleka, I. Cissé, N. Mabaso, A. Jiyane, S. Ndlovu (N. Gasa 73’), A. Van Rooi (S. Sithole 73’), S. Madonsela (O. Maluleke 89’), J. Dion (L. Nguse 73’), K. Shezi, A. Maxwele (B. Theron 85’)

Advertisement