Babina Noko secure top eight finish

Sekhukhune United etched their name in the 2022/23 DStv Premiership top eight on Saturday afternoon, following their 1-0 win over SuperSport United on the final day of the season.

SuperSport commenced the game as the stronger outfit and stroked the ball around with authority. Content with sitting back, Sekhukhune were reduced to soaking in early pressure from the travelling outfit.

Matsatsantsa provided Sekhukhune with worrying moments during the first 15 minutes of the match with the likes of Bradley Grobler and Siyabonga Nhlapo getting themselves in favourable positions inside the penalty area. However, Babina Noko sat tight and fended off the SSU goal scoring attempts.

Despite seeing less of the ball, Sekhukhune broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through a set-piece situation. Found by Thamsanqa Masiya with a telling cross played into the area, Edwin Gyimah was on hand to give Sekhukhune the lead.

Unhappy with SuperSport’s attacking thrust,coach Gavin Hunt introduced Thamsanqa Gabuza in the 36th minute with the hope of changing their fortunes.

Despite tweaking his side’s striking department before the break, SuperSport were unable to breach the Sekhukhune defence going into halftime.

The visitors got the second-half off to a flyer and immediately went on the attack. With an extra target man upfront, SSU took the direct approach in looking to trouble the Babina Noko centre-backs.

After an hour played, SuperSport continued to pile on the pressure while Babina Noko sat deep in defending their slender goal advantage.

Matsatsantsa played the majority of their football inside the Sekhukhune half; however, Brandon Truter’s side showcased stellar defending in keeping SSU at an arm’s length. However, it was not to be for the Tshwane giants as Sekhukhune booked their place in the DStv Premiership top eight with a 1-0 win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Sekhukhune United (1) 1 (Gyimah 19’)

Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Gyimah, Cardoso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Mahlangu (Seabi 71’), Mokotjo, Vilakazi, Masiya (Tshibwabwa 45’), Ohizu (Morris 83’), Mokwana (Mncube 71’)

SuperSport United: Goss, Bhasera, Ditlhokwe, Nhlapo, Philips (Lepasa 45’), Maseko (Gabuza 36’), Margeman (Webber 75’), Ndlovu, Maswanganyi (Rapoo 71’), Grobler (Niang 71’), Lungu