Seven’s Academy keeps defending champions at bay in GDL opener
The first round of the highly anticipated 2025 Gauteng Development League (GDL) got underway on the weekend with Highlands Park vying for a third straight title.
With Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and School of Excellence, among others, eager to put a stop to the dominance of the “Lions of the North“, coach Sifiso Mnguni’s Highlands Park had their work cut out for them. Their success means they have a target on their backs this season.
They travelled to Woodlands on Saturday, for an opener against Seven’s Academy where the hosts made their home-ground advantage count by holding the defending champions to a 2-2 draw.
Chiefs also faced a tough opener away from home. They visited Tshwane for a showdown with SuperSport United.
The Amakhosi started the contest well and went into a 2-0 lead, but SuperSport United kept fighting and a late penalty earned the Pretoria club a 2-2 draw with coach David Mathebula’s highly rated Chiefs’ team.
Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) and TS Galaxy delivered an entertaining encounter. It was highlighted by Tshepang Mologetso‘s brace and Buchule Mbana‘s solitary goal, which helped RESA record an upset victory.
Assists from Banele Radebe and Amukelo Mthombeni were crucial in RESA’s 3-0 win over last season’s fifth-placed finishers.
There were goals galore in league newbies, Rockevs FC‘s first GDL outing and they ended it with a share of the points after holding the seasoned Randburg AFC to a 3-3 draw.
While the winning margin was convincing, School of Excellence had to fight their way back from falling 0-2 behind to claim the points. They trailed 1-2 at the break.
Bad weather led to the game between Tuks and Kathorus Hyper Academy being called off.
RESULTS
Seven’s Academy 2-2 Highlands Park
SuperSport United 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs
Remember Elite Sport Academy 3-0 TS Galaxy
Rockevs FC 3-3 Randburg AFC
Wits Junior 4-3 Joburg City
School of Excellence 4-2 Panorama FC
