MTN 8: Stellenbosch finish the job against Sekhukhune to reach final

Stellenbosch FC will get another shot at Orlando Pirates for silverware after a 1-1 second leg draw on Saturday evening completed a 3-1 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in their MTN 8 semifinal clash, setting up a repeat of last year’s final against the Bucs.

A strong first half from the first leg at home gave Stellies an advantage heading into the second leg at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and the Western Cape side did not show any complacency. Mthetheleli Mthiyane’s first half strike put the visitors far beyond reach of Sekhukhune’s attempt at a comeback in the second half.

Sekhukhune attempted to charge forward from the opening whistle but failed to bring their shooting boots. The visitors were content with a defensive approach while looking to exploit any mistakes, a strategy that bore fruit in the 22nd minute.

A turnover in their own end from Sekhukhune allowed Stellies to pounce with Ibraheem Jabbar shuttling the ball over Mthiyane for a perfect low strike that nestled in the corner of Renaldo Leaner’s goal.

Any momentum for a comeback was stalled with Mthiyane’s goal and it was too much to ask of a Sekhukhune attack led by Bradley Grobler and Keletso Makgalwa. Siphesihle Mkhize pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 66th minute but it was Stellies who were celebrating at the full time whistle.

After previously winning the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup before falling short in last year’s MTN 8, Stellenbosch will now set their sights on toppling reigning cup champions Pirates in the final after the Bucs overcame Mamelodi Sundowns earlier on Saturday.