Sekhukhune United showed great character as they fought back to hold Siwelele FC to a 2-2 draw in the Betway Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result ensured Babina Noko finished fifth in the league standings under interim coach Paulus Masehe, who took over following Eric Tinkler’s dismissal. The Limpopo side secured a top-eight finish and will compete in next season’s MTN8.
Siwelele, on the other hand, narrowly missed out on a top-eight spot by two points. In their first season back in the top flight after purchasing SuperSport United, the team can be proud of retaining their Premiership status.
Ghampani Lungu, fresh off four goals in his last four matches, was the standout player to watch — and he delivered. The Zambia international struck first, turning home a cross from Neo Rapoo to hand Siwelele a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
The hosts remained a constant threat going forward and quickly doubled their advantage in the 19th minute through Siphesihle Jeza, who grabbed his second goal in four matches. Siwelele went into the interval with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Babina Noko came out with renewed fight after the break and pulled one back through Tshepo Mokoane. The 24-year-old attacker scored his third goal of the season in the 56th minute, giving the hosts a lifeline and injecting fresh belief into the game.
In a thrilling finish, Sekhukhune’s never-say-die attitude paid off in the last minute as they fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. Bright Ndlovu, impressing since his conversion from central defender to striker, scored his fifth goal of the season to complete the comeback.
Sekhukhune (0) 2 (Lungu 16', Jeza 19')
Siwelele (2) 2 (Mokoane 56', Ndlovu 90')
Sekhukhune: Leaner, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa (Langa 90'+3), Cardoso, Khiba, Mashiloane, Mojela, Makgalwa (Mampuru 84'), Nku (Mokoane 46'), Monare (Tlaka 46' Boyeli 80'), Ndlovu.
Siwelele: Goss, Jeza, Mazibuko (Pule 78'), Potsane (Ngwato 58'), Letshedi (Maku 58'), Mokhuoane, Mfolozi, Mobbie, Ndebele (Baloyi 67'), Rapoo, Gamphani.«