Sekhukhune United got back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership this week following a tense 2-0 victory against a 10-man Richards Bay outfit at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.
Babina Noko were the dominant side throughout the 90 minutes but often battled to break down the stubborn Richards Bay defence.
However, late efforts by Siphesihle Mkhize and Sipho Mbule were enough for the Limpopo side to bag maximum points in their latest league assignment.
Sekhukhune settled well on the ball during the first 10 minutes of the game and looked to gain the upper hand on their opponents from the first whistle.
With Richards Bay sitting back, Babina Noko stroked the ball around with ease, particularly in the middle of the park.
The Natal Rich Boyz battled to progress the ball up field as a result of Sekhukhune’s forward pressure and often attempted to hit the home side on the break.
However, Sekhukhune continued to dominate the possession count midway through the first half.
Richards Bay recorded their first attempt on goal in the 37th minute of the match after Justice Johnpaul Figuareido let off a shot that was blocked by Tresor Yamba inside the 18-yard-area.
With neither side able to make the most of their scoring opportunities, the referee called time on the first 45 with the score level at 0-0.
The second half commenced at a rapid pace with Richards Bay immediately applying pressure to the Sekhukhune defence.
With it being Babina Noko’s turn to sit back, the Natal Rich Boyz looked lively after the restart.
Sekhukhune regained control of the match around the hour mark and created numerous scoring opportunities through the likes of Mbule and Keletso Makgalwa, who hovered around the edge of the Richards Bay penalty area.
The home team’s pressure then paid off in the 70th minute after Mkhize added his name to the scoreboard.
After making way down the left-hand side of the pitch, Makgalwa dinked the ball into the area which was subsequently met by an on rushing Mkhize who finished from close range.
Richards Bay’s fortune’s went from bad to worse after Yanela Mbuthuma saw red following a coming together with Ryan Baartman in the 80th minute.
In response to going a man down, Brandon Truter made a triple change as Thabang Sibanyoni, Siyabonga Dube and Thulani Gumede entered the fold.
Then, after overloading the Sekhukhune half toward the end of the match, Mbule rounded off the scoring with a calm right-footed finish from outside the area in the 89th minute.
The skillful midfielder’s effort proved to be the final bit of action at the Peter Mokaba Stadium as Sekhukhune walked to a 2-0 win on home soil.
Sekhukhune: (0) 2 (Mkhize 70’, Mbule 89’)
Richards Bay: (0) 0
Sekhukhune: Sangare, Mogaila, Yamba, Baartman, Letlapa, Mkhize, Vandala (Mokoane 46’), Mbule, Mokhouane, Makgalwa (Carnell 92’), Boyeli,
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabua, Mcineka, Allan, Mabuya (Dube 85’), Mthethwa, Mthembu (Mohlamme 94’), Ntsundwana (Gumede 85’), Mhlongo (Sibanyoni 85’), Figuareido, Mbuthuma