Moreri hat-trick powers Sundowns’ win as GDL title defence begins
Following the finals of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Top 8 competition last weekend, the GDL’s league season kicked off over the weekend, with an abundance of goals raining down across all divisions.
In the u19 division, the defending champion, Mamelodi Sundowns, who ended Highlands Park’s two-year reign in 2025, made a strong statement of intent with a dominating performance against Rockefvs.
Coach Kristopher Bergman‘s charges powered their way to a 5-0 victory, demonstrating a strong desire and championship mindset in the early going, which was rewarded when Liano Snyders found the back of the net within the first 10 minutes, assisted by Thando Singo.
On his way to a hat-trick, Tebogo Moreri slotted his opener in the 23rd minute, courtesy of an assist from Sivuziwe Lonzi. Seven minutes later, Moreri made it a brace, again benefitting from a connection and assist from Lonzi.
Shortly before half-time, Sundowns put the game to bed. Kgaogelo Monanyane scored their fourth before Moreri completed his hat-trick in the 43rd minute of the match.
The Brazilians were unable to add to their tally in the second half, but they had convincingly gotten their title defence off to a winning start and bagged all three points on offer.
Kathorus Hyper Academy was one of the entertaining teams in the GDL in 2025, particularly in the second half of the season, where their victories included a win over Sundowns. On Saturday, Kathorus also made a tick in the win column, defeating the Africa School of Excellence, formerly known as the Transnet School of Excellence, which is now under the new ownership of Chipcor Developers, in a high-scoring thriller.
In a challenging match for both teams, Kathorus outlasted School of Excellence 4-3. Gift Muyambo scored the East Rand club’s first goal of their 2026 campaign, assisted by Lefa Radikgomo. Sizwe Sidu then made it 2-0 with help from Ayanda Moilwa.
Esethu Witvoet successfully converted a penalty to score a third for Kathorus, and Sidu laid on an assist for Kgothatso Lenkwe to net the winners’ fourth.
Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), beaten in the final of the GDL Top 8 by Kaizer Chiefs last weekend, took on Panorama and battled their way to a hard-fought 3-2 win.
It was 1-1 at halftime, with Bandile Sithole scoring for RESA, assisted by Brian Molefe. After an hour, Nceba Jozela netted the Vereeniging club’s second goal, with Molefe again providing the assist. He, then, made it a hat-trick of assists, setting up Sithole for his brace in the 72nd minute.
Siwelele (formerly SuperSport United) secured a 2-0 victory over EzeNkosi, Jomo Cosmos. The Prestige Football Development Academy, which was promoted from the Gauteng Development Promotional League, lost 1-2 to Randburg AFC.
Joburg City earned three points with a 3-1 win over the University of Pretoria (Tuks), and Wits Junior hurt the runners-up of the 2025 GDL season, Highlands Park, with a 1-0 victory.
The clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Seven’s Academy was called off due to waterlogged fields at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena.
RESULTS
Kathorus 4-3 School of Excellence
Siwelele 2-0 Jomo Cosmos
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Rockefvs
RESA 3-2 Panorama
Randburg AFC 2-1 Prestige
Joburg City 3-1 Tuks
Wits Junior 1-0 Highlands Park
