On the first day of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis made a memorable entrance by scoring the opening goal against Milford FC. The 23-year-old winger, who has been with the Buccaneers since last season, added his name to an impressive list of players who have scored the first goal in a new campaign.
Appollis' quick start to the season is part of a long-standing tradition in South African football. Since the inception of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 1996, only three foreign players and numerous local talents have managed this feat. The quickest goal in a new Premiership season was achieved by Ishmael Maluleke for Manning Rangers against Hellenic in just the first minute during the 2001/02 campaign.
The list of first goalscorers is diverse, with some players going on to achieve significant success abroad, such as Sibusiso Zuma, while others have faded into relative obscurity. Notably, two of the last three seasons saw Namibian players score the opening goal: Prins Tjiueza for Cape Town City in 2024/25 and Peter Shalulile for Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023/24.
Appollis' achievement is a testament to his form since joining Orlando Pirates. Last year, he was part of the Marumo Gallants team where he scored two league goals before converting to central midfield. His goal against Milford FC not only marked the start of an exciting new season but also brought him personal satisfaction as he joined the exclusive club of players who have scored the opening goal in a PSL campaign.
While there is no official prize for this distinction, the honor of being one of the first to score in a new league season always carries a special meaning. It's a moment that highlights an individual player's impact and sets the tone for what could be a memorable campaign.
