MTN 8: Sekhukhune overcome nightmare start thanks to Grobler’s dazzling debut

Saturday evening appeared to signal a disastrous start for Sekhukhune United but debutant striker Bradley Grobler led a sensational comeback for Dinoko in their 3-2 MTN 8 quarterfinal victory over TS Galaxy as the 2025-26 season in South Africa finished its opening day of competitive action.

Sloppy defending and inadequate goalkeeping left Sekhukhune behind 0-2 by the 41st minute but Grobler’s header from a Keletso Makgalwa corner kick provided an instant response, setting the stage for a second half comeback.

Grobler, a renowned name in goal scoring heroics in South Africa’s top flight, showed Sekhukhune supporters his proven killer instinct after the 37-year-old joined from now defunct SuperSport United.

TS Galaxy were the team who faded in the second half with a poor giveaway in the back leading to Vusumuzi Mncube’s 69th minute winner after Grobler’s second goal leveled the game five minutes earlier. It was a remarkable letdown for Galaxy supporters who surely thought a semifinal place was theirs after looking far superior in the first half.

Sekhukhune join Orlando Pirates, who eased to a 2-0 victory earlier in the day against Polokwane City, in the semifinals of the competition. Stellenbosch face AmaZulu in the opening quarterfinal clash on Sunday before South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns finish up the round against Richards Bay in Pretoria.