Stellenbosch FC returned to the winning column in the Betway Premiership this weekend, following a 2-1 win against a stubborn Sekhukhune United outfit at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
While Sekhukhune and Stellies both scored in the first half, it was Thato Khiba’s 70th-minute effort that separated the two sides on the day.
In what was a bright start by both sides at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Stellenbosch FC broke the deadlock in the 10th minute as Lesiba Nku scored his first goal for the club. After making his way into the area, the attacker made no mistake with a header on the edge of the six-yard box.
A massive three points secured 🙌
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 16, 2025
Sekhukhune Utd 1️⃣–2️⃣ Stellenbosch FC pic.twitter.com/nOocR0siGP
Forced to come out of their shell, Babina Noko proactively searched for an equaliser, with Katlego Mohamme and Keletso Makgalwa having a go at the Stellies’ goal.
Sekhukhune eventually drew level at the half-hour mark via a well-placed headed effort by Chibuike Ohizu from close range.
The Limpopo side saw most of the ball during the first 45 and created more scoring chances than the Cape Winelands outfit. Nonetheless, the score remained at 1-1 going into the break.
It was all Stellenbosch after the restart, with Devin Titus, Fawaaz Basadien and Andre de Jong testing Badra Ali Sangare between the sticks. At the other end of the pitch, Sekhukhune attempted to get back into the game but were often stifled by a stubborn Stellenbosch backline.
Stellenbosch’s pressure paid off 20 minutes from time as Khiba joined Nku on the scoreboard with a headed effort from the middle of the 18-yard-area. Off the back of immense pressure, Sekhukhune battled to progress the ball up field during the later stages of the match.
Sekhukhune came agonisingly close to levelling matters in the 84th minute after Ellis Rammala struck the woodwork following an effort from a direct free-kick. Stellenbosch then summoned Genino Palace and Ibraheem Jabaar from the bench as they looked to see out the game.
Nevertheless, the Western Cape side did enough to bag maximum points as the game ended 2-1 in their favour.
Sekhukhune United: (1) 1 (Ohizu 31’)
Stellenbosch FC: (1) 2 (Nku 10’, Khiba 70’)
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mogaila, Cardoso, Mohamme, Letlapa, Monare (Kapinga 87’), Mkhize (Ngakosso-Oko 79’), Ohizu (Boyeli 79’), Mntambo (Mbule 46’), Makgalwa, Mncube (Rammala 64’)
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Basadien, Moloisane, Toure, Godswill, Cupido (Barns 65’), Khiba (Palace 85’), Nduli, Titus (Jabaar 85’), Nku (Lekoloane 74’), de Jong (Butsaka 64’)
