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Grobler instantly makes his mark at Babina Noko

rugby02 August 2025 18:00| © Backpage TXT
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Sekhukhune United finally reached the MTN8 semifinals at the third time of asking after they battled back from two goals down to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, August 2.

Eric Tinkler's side had failed to make it past the quarter-finals of the Wafa Wafa in 2023 and 2024 and they appeared to be heading for another early exit before producing a second-half fightback.

Both teams also appeared in the MTN8 last year, but neither of them got past the first hurdle after Babina Noko lost 1-0 to Cape Town City and Galaxy were beaten 3-1 by eventual finalists Stellenbosch.

It was the visitors who drew first blood in Polokwane when Khulumani Ndamane set up Mpho Mvelase to open the scoring after just 14 minutes.

Adnan Beganovic's side had slightly less possession in the first half, but they did more with the ball and struck again four minutes before half-time through Victor Letsoalo, with Puso Dithejane providing the assist.

However, the hosts gave themselves hope soon afterwards as new signing Bradley Grobler headed past Ira Tape from Keletso Makgalwa's cross in the 43rd minute.

Galaxy enjoyed a little more of the ball in the second half and they continued to create chances, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal saw them fail to add to their two goals.

The Limpopo outfit would prove to be more clinical, as Grobler found the back of the net once more on 64 minutes to draw them level and Vusumuzi Mncube completed the comeback win five minutes later.

Sekhukhune United (1) 3 (Grobler 43', 64', Mncube 69')

TS Galaxy (2) 2 (Mvelase 14', Letsoalo 41')

Sekhukhune United: R. Leaner, M. Thokolo, K. Mohamme (D. Cardoso 62'), V. Letlapa, T. Matsimbi, M. Timm (T. Monare 46'), S. Mkhize, O. Mandi (L. Mntambo 46'), K. Makgalwa (M. Mampuru 76'), B. Grobler (S. Sihlali 85'), V. Mncube.

TS Galaxy: I. Tape, L. Motaung (K. Mncube 65'), M. Mahlangu, K. Ndamane (M. Mbunjana 65'), Q. Sibande (S. Letsoenyo 80'), S. Mahlambi (T. Walters 86'), N. Mgaga, S. Maduna, M. Mvelase, P. Dithejane, V. Letsoalo (T. Sibanyoni 86').

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