Sekhukhune United will look to capitalise on their solid league position when they host bottom-placed Marumo Gallants this Saturday. The Betway Premiership fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane kicks off at 6pm, offering the hosts a prime chance to push for a top-five spot.
Sekhukhune United currently sit sixth in the Premier Soccer League with 11 points from seven games, a record of three wins, two draws and two losses. Their recent form shows an unbeaten run of three matches, with a win and two draws. They head into the weekend on the back of a 3-2 away victory over Richards Bay last month. In contrast, Marumo Gallants are rooted to the foot of the table, still searching for their first win after seven attempts, having collected just two points from two draws and five defeats.
The team is in a positive run, unbeaten in their last three PSL outings. That sequence includes a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch and a goalless stalemate against TS Galaxy before the dramatic 3-2 win at Richards Bay. In that match, goals from Tshepo Mokoane, Ndongani Samba Gilbani O’Neil and a late winner from Ngoanamello Rammala secured the three points. This form has lifted them to within striking distance of the top five, a position they can strengthen by taking maximum points this weekend. The side has scored seven goals while conceding seven, giving them a neutral goal difference.
The two Limpopo-based sides played out identical 1-1 draws in both of their meetings last season. That history adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter, as Sekhukhune United will be determined to break that deadlock and secure a first competitive win over their neighbours. With Gallants struggling immensely this campaign, the home side will see this as an ideal opportunity to finally get one over on them.
Motivation will be high for Sekhukhune United, who know a win could see them close the gap on the teams above them, though they currently trail the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, by 12 points. The visitors, however, will be desperate to kick-start their season and will likely adopt a defensive approach. Sekhukhune United's attack, which has scored seven goals this season, will need to be clinical to break down what is expected to be a resilient low block. The match is a key part of a full weekend of PSL action, with other fixtures involving Milford FC and Kruger United also scheduled. Sekhukhune United's next assignment is this home clash on Saturday, 17 October against a Marumo Gallants side sitting 16th.
