Sekhukhune United advanced to the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Richards Bay on Sunday evening at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The victory extends the club's winning run to three matches across all competitions, a sequence that includes league wins over Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay. This positive form has helped the team to sixth place in the Premier Soccer League, having accrued 14 points from eight games with a record of four wins, two draws and two losses.
Chibuike Ohizu broke the deadlock seven minutes after half-time, finishing off an assist from Nyiko Mobbie. Thabang Makubo doubled the lead in the 83rd minute, set up by Bethel Muzeu. Richards Bay pulled a goal back almost immediately through Nqaba Xulu, but Muzeu sealed the win four minutes later with a header from Siphesihle Mkhize's cross. The team has scored nine goals while conceding eight in the league this season.
How the match unfolded
Sekhukhune dominated the early stages, limiting the visitors to minimal chances. The first half saw Sekhukhune's N. S. Gilbani and Richards Bay's M. Mthembu and S. Barns all receive yellow cards. The home side made a tactical change at half-time, introducing Mcedisi Vandala for Oageng Phiri. The pressure told after the break, with Ohizu's opener setting the tone for a strong second-half performance. Richards Bay's coach, Kaitano Tembo, acknowledged his team's slow start and defensive errors were costly.
What the result means
This win continues a positive spell for Babina Noko, who now sit sixth in the Premier Soccer League with 14 points from eight games. Their recent form of three wins and a draw in the last four league outings has provided a solid platform for this cup success. Top scorer E. Rammala, with two goals this season in seven appearances, was an unused substitute as the goals came from elsewhere. The team remains nine points behind the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the title race.
The club's next challenge is a return to league action away to fourth-placed Milford FC on Sunday, 1 November. Sekhukhune will look to carry this cup momentum into that key league encounter. Their quarter-final opponent in the Carling Knockout will be determined by the remaining last-16 fixtures.
