Sekhukhune United

South Africa’s Betway Premiership delivered another exciting encounter as Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay FC battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday evening. In a match dominated by Babina Noko for large spells, second-half strikes from Ronaldo Maarman and Gabadinho Mhango ensured both sides walked away with a point each. The result keeps Sekhukhune in the hunt for a top-eight finish, while Richards Bay continue their fight to climb away from the relegation zone in what has been a competitive season so far.
Played under floodlights in front of a passionate crowd, the game showcased the grit and determination typical of South African football. Sekhukhune, sitting comfortably in mid-table, will rue missed chances that could have sealed all three points, while Richards Bay’s late equaliser highlights their resilience despite being under pressure for much of the contest. As the league heads into a brief break, this draw adds to the intrigue in a tightly packed standings where every point counts towards continental spots or survival.

Dominant First Half: Sekhukhune Press but Fail to Break Through

Sekhukhune United wasted no time asserting control, starting on the front foot and creating the first real chance in the 13th minute. Keletso Makgalwa unleashed a left-footed strike from inside the box, but Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno pulled off a sharp save to keep the scores level. Babina Noko enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening 15 minutes, pinning the Natal Rich Boyz back with quick passing and forward runs, but poor final decisions let them down time and again.
Richards Bay offered little threat going forward in the first half, struggling to string passes together and rarely troubling the Sekhukhune defence. Gabadinho Mhango looked lively for the visitors, trying to spark attacks with his pace, but the hosts’ backline held firm. As the half wore on, Sekhukhune continued to probe, but neither side could find the net, sending the teams into the break at 0-0. The frustration was clear for Babina Noko, who had bossed the game but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.
Second-Half Drama: Goals Flow as Teams Trade Blows
The pattern held after the restart, with Sekhukhune maintaining their dominance up to the hour mark. Richards Bay played on the back foot, absorbing pressure and looking for counter opportunities. In the 48th minute, Etiosa Ighodaro broke free behind the defence but poked his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat – a missed chance that summed up the hosts’ early profligacy.
Sekhukhune’s persistence paid dividends in the 69th minute when substitute Ronaldo Maarman opened the scoring. Following a swift move into the Richards Bay area, Maarman latched onto a loose ball and fired home, sending the home fans into raptures. It was a deserved lead for Babina Noko, who had created the better openings throughout.
But Richards Bay refused to roll over. In the 77th minute, Mhango made the most of a rare foray forward, guiding the ball home from close range after a pinpoint setup by Lwandile Mabuya. The equaliser came against the run of play but showcased the visitors’ fighting spirit, earning them a valuable point on the road.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could convert their chances. Sekhukhune substitute Vusimuzi Mncube came close late on, but Otieno stood tall once more. The game ended 1-1, a fair reflection of a contest where one side dominated possession but the other showed clinical finishing when it mattered.

Standout Performances and Tactical Insights

Ronaldo Maarman was the hero for Sekhukhune, coming off the bench to score the opener and inject energy into the attack. His goal was his first of the season, a timely boost for a player looking to cement his place in the squad. On the other side, Gabadinho Mhango proved why he remains a key asset for Richards Bay, netting his third league goal with a composed finish that salvaged a point.
Sekhukhune’s starting lineup featured Lloyd Kazapua in goal, a back four of Aubaas Letlapa, Daniel Cardoso, Trésor Tshibwabwa, and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, midfield anchored by Siphesihle Mkhize and Relebogile Mokhuoane, and forwards Elias Mokwana, Linda Mntambo, Vusimuzi Mncube, and Chibuike Ohizu. Richards Bay countered with Ian Otieno between the sticks, defenders Tshepo Mabua, Sibusiso Mthethwa, Fezile Gcaba, and Nkosikhona Ndaba, midfielders Langelihle Mhlongo, Repo Malepe, and Thulani Gumede, and attackers Somila Ntsundwana, Justice Figuareido, and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Tactically, Sekhukhune’s high press worked well to pin Richards Bay back, but lapses in concentration allowed the equaliser. Richards Bay’s compact defence frustrated the hosts, relying on quick counters to create danger. The draw leaves Sekhukhune in seventh with 15 points from 10 games, while Richards Bay sit in 13th with 10 points, still looking over their shoulder at the drop zone.

League Context: A Tight Race as Break Approaches

This result keeps the Betway Premiership race wide open, with teams like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates setting the pace at the top. Sekhukhune’s solid form – unbeaten in their last four league outings – positions them as dark horses for a top-four finish, while Richards Bay’s point on the road could prove crucial in their survival bid.
The league now pauses for an international break, giving players a chance to rest and coaches time to tweak strategies. When action resumes, Sekhukhune face a tough test against high-flying Polokwane City, while Richards Bay host struggling Cape Town Spurs. Fans can expect more twists in a season full of surprises.

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sekhukhune united

Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay Share Spoils in Thrilling 1-1 Draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium

Sekhukhune United

Dominant First Half: Sekhukhune Press but Fail to Break Through

Standout Performances and Tactical Insights

League Context: A Tight Race as Break Approaches

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

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