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Sekhukhune look up in stern Stellies task

football31 January 2025 12:20| © Backpage TXT
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Sekhukhune United © Gallo Images

Sekhukhune United are hoping to climb up the Betway Premiership table this weekend when they face a confident Stellenbosch outfit at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

While Babina Noko suffered a 1-0 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs in their most recent Betway Premiership tie, the Limpopo side recorded a morale boosting 2-0 win against Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup earlier this week.

Prior to their loss against Amakhosi, Sekhukhune went on a five-match unbeaten streak in the league, which included big victories over AmaZulu and SuperSport United on away soil.

As it stands, Sekhukhune occupy fourth on the log, two points behind third placed Polokwane City.

Stellies on the other hand, have been one of the busiest clubs in South Africa, given their responsibilities locally and continentally. However, the Western Cape outfit will head into their upcoming league assignment on a two-match winning streak.

Steve Barker and his charges bagged a 5-0-win against AmaZulu in their last Betway Premiership game and subsequently moved up to seventh on the table. Adding to their winning form, Stellies saw out a 2-1 win against Kruger United in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on the 28th of January.

WHAT WAS SAID

In what was news that made headlines in PSL football, Stellies recently revealed Lesiba Nku as their latest marquee acquisition, with the player ready to star for the Cape Winelands team.

“I’m happy to be at Stellenbosch FC and I’m looking forward to playing football and doing my best for the club,” Nku said.

“Everyone has been very welcoming so I’m excited to finally get started.

“Stellenbosch is a good club and the way the team plays, using a lot of speed and fast players, suits my style of play. We’re still competing in the Nedbank Cup, and pushing in the league and the CAF Confederation Cup, so I’m hoping I can use my experience to challenge in these competitions.”

 

 

Reflecting on his side’s recent win against City, Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema urged his side to remain humble as they prepare for a busy second-half of the 2024/25 campaign.

“We have not played 15 games (in the Betway Premiership) yet, but winning becomes a habit, and the players’ confidence grows, which then gives us, the technical team, the chance to play the other players who are new or the ones returning from injuries,” Seema said.

“Let’s remain humble because there’s still a long way to go. We have to take it one game at a time.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stellenbosch FC: Lesiba Nku – While Nku struggled to cement his place at Sundowns, Nku joined Stellies as one of the PSL’s most exciting attackers. Babina Noko will have to pay keen attention to the 28-year-old throughout the 90 minutes, given his skill and guile in wide areas of the pitch.

Sekhukhune United: Thabang Monare – In facing a well-drilled Stellenbosch side, Monare will be in for a busy day at the Danie Craven Stadium this weekend. However, the ex-Orlando Pirates man brings a wealth of experience to Sekhukhune United and will be expected to lead his troops in the engine room.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five league results:

2021/22 Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Sekhukhune United

2022/23 Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Sekhukhune United

2023/24 Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Sekhukhune United

2023/24 Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC

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