Stellenbosch FC boost top eight hopes with win over Sekhukhune

Stellenbosch FC made a resounding statement in their pursuit of a top-eight finish, dispatching a struggling Sekhukhune United 3-1 in a Friday night Betway Premiership encounter at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

The victory moves Gavin Hunt’s men into ninth place with 31 points, pulling them level with eighth-placed Golden Arrows. For Babina Noko, the defeat further erodes their hopes of a top-three finish, leaving them seven points adrift of Kaizer Chiefs with the chasing pack closing in.

Stellenbosch FC beat Sekhukhune 3-1 to boost Top Eight hopes

The home side signalled their intent early, capitalising on a Sekhukhune side still adjusting to life under an interim technical team. The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute when Enyinnaya Kazie Godswill found space on the right side of the box, rifling a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner to give Stellies a 1-0 lead.

Sekhukhune attempted to respond through Keletso Makgalwa, who forced Sage Stephens into two smart saves in quick succession, but the visitors lacked clinical finishing. Stellenbosch FC punished them just before the break; Genino Palace doubled the advantage in the 39th minute with a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner, sending the hosts into the interval with a comfortable two-goal cushion.

The second stanza saw Sekhukhune United introduce veteran Daniel Cardoso and Tshepo Mokoane in an attempt to stabilise the ship. The tactical shift bore fruit in the 66th minute when Bright Ndlovu finished a lightning-fast break sparked by Makgalwa, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.

However, any hopes of a Babina Noko comeback were short-lived. Just two minutes later, Stellenbosch FC restored their two-goal lead. Devin Titus turned provider, teeing up Chumani Butsaka in the centre of the box, who made no mistake with a clinical left-footed strike to make it 3-1.

Closing Stages: Stephens Stands Tall

Sekhukhune threw everything forward in the final twenty minutes, with Keletso Makgalwa and Bright Ndlovu testing Sage Stephens repeatedly. Stellies shot-stopper remained resolute, producing a fine save to deny Makgalwa in the 81st minute.

Gavin Hunt managed the closing stages with experience, introducing Ashley Cupido and Omega Mdaka—the latter replacing the injured Asekho Tiwani—to see out the result.

The win provides a massive boost for Stellenbosch ahead of the season’s final stretch, while Sekhukhune must quickly find solutions under Paulus Masehe if they are to salvage their continental aspirations.