Sekhukhune United FC was defeated by Steenberg United who needed a second-half strike to claim a 1-0 league victory.
The last time Steenberg United played against SKUFC at Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa Babina Noko humbled Steenberg United 3-1, however, in the return fixture in Cape Town Steenberg United managed to return the favor by collecting maximum points.
B. Dlamini could have made it 1-0 in the first half when his long-range shot was deflected by Steenberg ‘s keeper Buhle Thompson. In the 23 minutes of the game, Babina Noko pressured Steenberg’s box but failed to capitalize from the situation.
The second half was lively than the first, with both teams coming out in search of their first goal. On a balance of play, Babina Noko played on a front foot while the host was looking to catch the visitors on a break. Babina Noko fired on all cylinders without success. Walter Musona got a decent chance to score a goal but his shot was off target.
Steenberg United player Lesvin Stoffel netted a crucial winner for the host in the 80th minute of the game to leave the visitors shocked, and unable to add to the 31 points on the Glad Africa Championship log.
The win moves Steenberg United to five points clear from the relegation zone. They are currently in the 15th position ahead of Cape Town Spurs and Bizana Pondo Chiefs.
During the post-match interview, Babina Noko Assistant Coach, Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala revealed that they have played much better and created much better chances but the team let itself down by failing to convert them.
He further revealed that it is not going to be easy to get maximum points in the second round of the league, citing that teams will be fighting to survive relegation while others will be trying to attain automatic promotion to the elite league. However, SKUFC will work hard to achieve its ultimate goal which is a promotion to the PSL.
It was a crushing blow for the Babina Noko outfit, who can feel disappointed with the outcome of the result, as they played better and created more chances, as the saying goes, “if you don’t take your chances you will rue them at the end”. It was also an end to 3 successive clean sheets for the team and Captain Tapuwa Kapini.
SKUFC’s next game will be at home against Cape Town All-Stars on the 3rd of April 2021. Starting XI: Kapini (GK)(C), Madonsela, Mbonani, Motsepe, Phiri, Musona(88’Maluleke), Leepile(46’Awono), Maart, W. Bophela(60’Cwinyane), Nxumalo(46’Sibanyoni), B. Dlamini(80’Mfecane).
