Sekhukhune United claimed a narrow 1-0 win away to Royal AM in a DStv Premiership match played at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday evening.
A well-taken first-half goal from Larry Gwala saw Babina Noko claim a third win from six league outings this season, while Thwihli Thwahla suffered a third defeat from seven matches to be placed 10th on the log.
After a dominant start to the game, Sekhukhune were able to claim the lead in the 18th minute via Larry Bwalya, who latched onto an assist from Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and directed an effort beyond Royal goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo for 1-0.
The hosts struggled to get the likes of Mfundo Thikazi and Ruzaigh Gamildien into the game as they sought a foothold, but Sekhukhune’s dominance of possession ensured that they were able to get the interval still a goal to the good.
Thwihli Thwahla were much improved after the interval, enjoying a larger share of possession relative to their first-half performance, though they still lacked a coherence in attack and introduced both Mxolisi Machupu and Maxwele Ayabulela just after the hour mark to try and spark a turnaround.
However, Sekhukhune were able to control the game and see out the 90 minutes for a welcome victory.
Royal will return to DStv Premiership action on 30 September when they face Polokwane City away, while Sekhukhune’s next league match is scheduled for 5 October at home to Golden Arrows.
Royal AM 0
Sekhukhune United (1) 1 (Bwalya 18’)
ROYAL: Ngcobo, Jiyane, Kobedi, Manganyi (Matlaba 77’), Mogaila, Dlamini (George 77’), Mahlasela, Sithole, Cele (Ncobeni 83’), Thikazi (Ayabulela 61’), Gamildien (Mahcupu 61’)
SEKHUKHUNE: Sangare, Mobbie, Cardoso, Tshibwabwa, Ntiya-Ntiya (Mkhabela 89’), Mokotjo, Mokwana (Mbokoma 89’), Webber (Mtshali 74’), Ohizu (Vilakazi 88’), Mkhize, Bwalya (Mncube 56’)