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A massive 23 goals have been scored in the opening round of the NFD, all 16 teams managed to find the back of the net, with Mthatha Bucks being the early pacesetters.

The level of competitiveness seems to have gone up a notch, with the newly promoted teams holding their own against big-spending and more experience opposition.

New boys Magesi started life in the NFD with a 2-1 defeat, this after taking a 1-0 half time lead against Thanda Royal Zulu. The Richards Bay outfit showing their experience as the Roger Sikhakhane coached Amabhubesi clawed their way back to victory.

Real Kings almost crowned their debut with a victory at the Harry Gwala Stadium. However their 1-0 half time advantage was not enough, as neighbours Royal Eagles found the equaliser to end what could have been an opening round upset.

The PSL relegated sides remained unbeaten after the first round of matches, University of Pretoria were off to a good start beating Cape Town All Stars. While another former PSL-side in Jomo Cosmos secured a draw against FC Cape Town.

Mthatha Bucks seems to have put last season’s relegation worries to bed, putting Stellenbosch FC to the sword with a 3-1 victory. Amathol'amnyama who had to wait 13 matches for their first victory in their previous campaign, seems to have hit the ground running as they occupy the top spot after round one.

Weekend Results

Saturday 27 August

University of Pretoria 2-1 Cape Town All Stars

Mthatha Bucks 3-1 Stellenbosch FC

Royal Eagle 1-1 Real Kings

Santos 2-1 Mbombela United

Magesi FC 1-2 Thanda Royal Zulu

Sunday 28 August

Jomo Cosmos 1-1 FC Cape Town

Milano United 1-2 Witbank Spurs

AmaZulu 2-1 Black Leopards

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Saturday, 27 August 2016 – 15H00

University of Pretoria v Cape Town All Stars, Tuks Stadium
AmaTuks returns to life in the National First Division, after spending the past four seasons in the PSL. They welcome a promotional-driven Igugu Lekapa who will be gunning for a bright start to their third season in the NFD.

Santos v Mbombela United, Parow Park
The Peoples Team will look to hit the ground running against last season’s surprise package in Tingwenyama. Santos who are on the back of another disappointing season in the NFD, will have to battle it out against Mbombela, whose sights will be to go one better than last season's play-off finish.

          

Royal Eagles v Real Kings FC, Harry Gwala Stadium
A baptism of fire will surely be on the cards as the big-spending Eagles welcomes their newly promoted neighbours. There however will be no royal treatment for the Kings as derby action ascends on the KZN province.

Mthatha Bucks v Stellenbosch FC, Mthatha Stadium
The action returns to Mthatha Stadium in what will be a replay of last season’s opening fixture, with both sides gunning for improved performances. Amathol'amnyama will be looking keep last season’s unbeaten home record intact hosting the team formerly known as Vasco Da Gama.

Magesi FC v Thanda Royal Zulu, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
Rookies Magesi gets a taste of life in the NFD as they entertain Amabhubesi in their opening encounter. The Richards Bay-based Thanda will be hoping to stamp their authority early on, to avoid a repeat of last seasons nail bitting relegation battle.

Sunday, 28 August 2016 – 15H00

Jomo Cosmos v FC Cape Town, Olen Park Stadium
It’s a return to what could be said to be familiar grounds for Ezenkosi, as coach Sono plots his 4th return to the PSL. A crunch encounter can be expected as Cosmos host the African Beasts, who are also no strangers to the demands of the NFD.

AmaZulu v Black Leopards, Prince Magogo Stadium
Two former PSL sides do battle as Usuthu host Lidoda Duvha, with Zimbabwean tacticians on either side of the field getting their first taste of NFD action. There however will be no time to crawl with promotion to the elite league being high on the agenda of both sides.

Milano United v Witbank Spurs, Boland Rugby Stadium
It’s off to Boland for Eezy my Kinnes as look to avenge last season’s defeat at the hands of Siyavutha. The match day venue will surely be a test for both promotional-driven sides, with the home side scheduled to play their first competitive match at the venue. 

A heated affair awaits

The National First Division is sure to heat up this coming campaign, with no less than seven former PSL-sides having to sweat it out in what is arguably the most competitive league in South Africa, as everyone guns for promotion.

Despite the leagues lack of sponsorship and live TV coverage, NFD action has seen steady increase in attendance, with supporters in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Eastern Province outnumbering their PSL counterparts.

There has also been an influx of former top tier coaches and players adapting to the demands of the fast paced league, along with adding great value to standard.

The second tier of SA football provides a platform for up and coming footballers to showcase their talent, with some already having caught the eye of national selectors, while others managing moves to the PSL and abroad.

With the start of the 2016-17 season on the horizon, below are the 16 teams that will be looking to rise to the top.