Sekhukhune United have moved to third place on the Betway Premiership log after they defeated Orbit College 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Babina Noko secured a ninth win from 18 league matches this season, thanks to a brace of goals from Lehlohonolo Mojela, leapfrogging past AmaZulu FC and Kaizer Chiefs. They have played at least one game more than any other team in the top five, but coach Eric Tinkler will value having the points on the board.
As for the Mswenko Boys, this is a seventh loss from their last eight matches across all competitions, and they have gone winless since defeating bottom-of-the-log Magesi FC back in November last year. They are placed second from bottom, three points clear of Magesi, but having played two extra games.
Sekhukhune got off to a flying start, claiming the lead inside 120 seconds. Orbit failed to clear effectively from a straightforward defensive situation and allowed Shaune Mogaila to tee up Lehlohonolo Mojela, who swept home a low shot for 1-0.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead from a set piece in the 10th minute, with Daniel Cardoso getting up highest to meet a right-flank delivery, though his header travelled just wide of the mark.
Orbit took their time to build an attacking rhythm, but they created a fine chance just before the half-hour mark when Yanga Madiba ran onto a ball over the top down the left before stabbing a volley across the face of the goal.
Madiba created another opportunity late in the first half when he doggedly got free down the left before firing in a cross which found Mbulelo Wagaba, but the Orbit forward volleyed high over the target.
Chances were much tougher to come by in the second stanza, though Sekhukhune ultimately doubled their advantage in the 74th minute via Mojela and sealed all three points.
A powerful run from substitute Tshepo Mokoane and an intelligent pass by Vusimuzi Mncube split open Orbit’s defence, and the ball fell kindly for Mojela, who rounded goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe and steered the ball into an empty net for 2-0.
The teams will be back in Premiership action in a fortnight, with Orbit hosting Richards Bay on Saturday, 28 February, while Sekhukhune will be away to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, 1 March.
Sekhukhune United (1) 2 (Mojela 2’ 74’)
Orbit College 0
SEKHUKHUNE: Leaner, Yamba, Cardoso, Letlapa, Mogaila (Mashiloane 46’), Monare (Tlaka 90+2’), Mkhize, Nku (Mokoane 61’), Makgalwa (Mampuru 61’), Mojela, Mncube (Boyeli 90+2’)
ORBIT: Chibwe, Vilakazi, Mphahlele, Nhlapo, Madiba (Ganabo 80’), Motshwari, Potsana, Batsi, Mabele (Khoto 85’), Moleleki (Lukhele 46’), Wagaba (Lesako 80’)