Sekhukhune United kept their aspirations of finishing in the Betway Premiership Top 3 alive after beating Magesi 1-0 in the Limpopo derby at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night. With six games to play, Sekhukhune remained fifth on the log with 38 points, but they are breathing down the neck of fourth-placed AmaZulu, who lead them by one point following their 1-1 draw with Siwelele at the Dr Molemela Stadium earlier in the day.
Magesi, meanwhile, remained rock-bottom of the log with 17 points, one behind Marumo Gallants and Orbit College, with the two teams set to meet in Bloemfontein on Sunday night. Sekhukhune started the season like a house on fire, finishing top of the standings in the first five games. However, the script has changed so much that they will head into their last six matches of the season chasing a Top 3 finish.
Sekhukhune Dominance
Sekhukhune dominated play from start to finish, but they let themselves down where it matters most: in front of goal. Brighton Ndlovu came close to opening the scoring early on for Babina Noko after getting inside the box, but he put his effort wide of Elvis Chipezeze’s goal. Lerato Mandi caused all sorts of threats for Sekhukhune and nearly forced Diteboho Mofokeng into an own goal, but Elvis Chipezeze reacted quickly, tipping the danger over the crossbar.
Vuyo Letlapa and Keletso Makgalwa also had shots at goal, but they couldn’t find the breakthrough, resulting in the two teams heading into the break goalless. Having tested Renaldo Leaner late in the first half, Magesi grew into the game in the second half, but they still couldn’t find the lead to build on their 3-0 win against Gallants in their last match.
Late Winner
Sekhukhune continued their dominance and were duly rewarded in the final seconds as Magesi failed to clear a corner, allowing Ndlovu to head home the winner with the last kick of the game. According to the Premier Soccer League rules, a match is considered a derby when two teams from the same province or region compete against each other.
The win will be a welcome boost for Sekhukhune United as they look to finish in the top three. The team will need to maintain their dominance and find a way to convert their chances into goals if they hope to achieve their goal. As noted by the South African Football Association, the team with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the champion.
- Sekhukhune United are fifth on the log with 38 points
- Magesi are rock-bottom of the log with 17 points
- Sekhukhune dominated play from start to finish
- Brighton Ndlovu scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the game
