Sekhukhune United
By Sello Masilo
Sekhukhune United climbed to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with a narrow 1-0 win over TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening, 13 August 2025. A late goal from veteran striker Bradley Grobler in the 77th minute sealed the deal for Babina Noko, marking their second straight victory in the 2025/26 season and placing them level on six points with Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City, and Marumo Gallants. For the Rockets, this defeat was their second in a row after losing to Durban City over the weekend, leaving them pointless and highlighting early-season struggles under coach Sead Ramović.    
The match was a tightly contested affair from the start, with both teams trading chances in an evenly matched first half. TS Galaxy created the first real threat in the 17th minute when Puso Dithejane fired a shot from outside the box, but Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner made a comfortable save. Earlier, Galaxy’s Spheshile Maduna had headed wide from a promising position. Sekhukhune responded late in the half, with Thabang Monare heading just off target from a corner delivered by Keletso Makgalwa in injury time. Despite the opportunities, neither side could find the net, and the halftime score remained 0-0. Sekhukhune held a slight edge in possession at 52.6%, but shots were level at 11 each overall, with only four on target combined.     
Galaxy ramped up the pressure early in the second half, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute. Qobolwakhe Sibande and Kganyane Letsoenyo both tested Leaner in quick succession, but the young goalkeeper produced fine saves to keep the scores level. Sekhukhune had their own golden chance five minutes later when Makgalwa’s dangerous cross found Medupi Thokolo unmarked, but the defender headed over from close range. The hosts showed their squad depth around the hour mark with a triple substitution: Linda Mntambo, Miguel Timm, and Bradley Grobler came on for Thabang Monare, Keletso Makgalwa, and Elias Ohizu. This tactical shuffle injected energy, leading to chances for Ellis Rammala and Tsepo Matsimbi, though neither could convert.     
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute under sustained pressure from Sekhukhune. Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape spilled a loose ball in the box, and Grobler pounced from close range to slot home his second goal in as many games. The 37-year-old striker, a former SuperSport United star with over 100 PSL goals in his career, has been pivotal in Sekhukhune’s early success, providing experience and composure up front. Galaxy pushed for an equaliser, but Sekhukhune’s defence held firm, with Leaner making key interventions. The hosts finished with three corners to Galaxy’s six, but their efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. Yellow cards were issued to two Sekhukhune players, reflecting the game’s physicality, while Galaxy committed more fouls but avoided bookings.     
Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema praised his team’s resilience in the post-match press conference: “We knew Galaxy would be tough—they’re a well-organised side. But our substitutes made the difference, and Bradley’s goal was clinical. It’s a great start, but we stay grounded.” Galaxy boss Sead Ramović lamented missed opportunities: “We had chances, especially in the second half, but couldn’t finish. Credit to Sekhukhune—they earned it. We need to bounce back quickly.” Player ratings highlighted Leaner’s heroics (8/10) with crucial saves, Grobler’s match-winning strike (7.5/10), and Makgalwa’s creativity (7/10) before his substitution. For Galaxy, Dithejane (6.5/10) was lively but wasteful.   
Fan reactions on social media were buzzing, with Sekhukhune supporters celebrating on X: “Grobler is timeless! Babina Noko on fire #BetwayPrem.” Galaxy fans expressed frustration: “Two games, zero points—need to fix the finishing ASAP.” The match drew a passionate crowd at Peter Mokaba, boosting local football in Limpopo. Sekhukhune’s form builds on their mid-table finish last season, where they showed promise under Seema, who joined mid-campaign. Grobler, at 37, continues to defy age, having scored 12 goals last term. Galaxy, who impressed with a top-half finish in 2024/25, now face early pressure to avoid a slump.
Lineups confirmed the provided squads, with Sekhukhune starting Leaner in goal and Galaxy relying on Letsoalo up front. Substitutions included Sekhukhune’s Tsepo Matsimbi off for Katlego Mohaila (72’) and Galaxy’s Kganyane Letsoenyo for Thiago Walters (86’). Overall stats: Possession 52.6%-47.4% (Sekhukhune-Galaxy), shots 11-11, on target 4-4, saves 3-4, fouls 14-12, yellow cards 2-0.
This result sets up intriguing midweek fixtures: Sekhukhune travel to Orbit College, while Galaxy visit Chippa United. For Babina Noko, maintaining this momentum could signal a title challenge; for the Rockets, a quick turnaround is essential to steady the ship in a competitive league.     
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