Sekhukhune United’s third DStv Premiership match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay FC on Saturday evening at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi.
The game was initially delayed due to a floodlight failure, the match finally resumed at 18:50.
Babina Noko had an early chance as Train Mokhabi had enough space to unleash a shot just outside the box that was smothered by goalkeeper Jamal Magoola.
The visitors kept applying pressure on the host, but The Natal Rich Boyz’s defense remained resolute.
Babina Noko had offered relatively little in attack but had a chance to find an opener through defender Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya who latched onto a loose ball in a good shooting position but failed to direct his effort on target as his ball went over the bar.
Babina Noko threatened again in the 27th minute when they were awarded another free kick in a promising position but Victor Letsoalo‘s shot was blocked by The Natal Rich Boyz‘s defense.
Tashreeq Morris received what would have been Babina Noko’s first shot at goal but the ball was saved by Magoola. The away side had a bad start in the second half as they were reduced to ten men after Morris got a second yellow card for a second bookable offense.
The Natal Rich Boyz’s pressure finally paid off 12 minutes before the final whistle after Yanela Mbuthuma broke the deadlock with an effort at the near post from a counter-attack.
Babina Noko will be disappointed with the outcome of the game, as enough chances were created to suggest that we should have taken something more from the game.
There was nothing to celebrate from Babina Noko camp as we suffered the first DSTV premiership League defeat since the start of the season.
Sekhukhune United FC will be back at home in DStv Premiership action on Saturday evening 20th August where they will be hosting Mamelodi Sundowns at The New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15h00.
XI: Nsabatha, Mobbie, Gyimah, Cardoso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Mokwana (Nxumalo 66’), Mntambo, Motsepe, Mokhabi (Mabasa54’), Morris (red card 47’), Letsoalo (Masiya 66’)
