Sekhukhune United set sights to league summit return

Sekhukhune United will return to Betway Premiership action with a challenging away trip to Siwelele FC at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Friday (7.30pm kickoff).

Babina Noko will finally end a month-long wait for any action, taking to the field for the first time since their first defeat of the season—a narrow 1-0 loss to neighbors Polokwane City.

The Limpopo-based outfit’s return has been eagerly anticipated, and this fixture provides an opportunity to regain momentum and confidence after their last two league matches, which yielded just a single point.

With most attention focused on the league’s bigger names, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, Eric Tinkler and his squad have an opportunity to quietly chip away at points and maintain pressure at the top of the table.

Sekhukhune return to league action in second place, just one point behind Sundowns with a game in hand, making them a dangerous side that cannot be overlooked.

Their situation evokes memories of Leicester City’s incredible 2015/16 Premier League season, when the East Midlands club quietly accumulated points. It was only when Captain Wes Morgan lifted the title that the world realised one of football’s greatest upsets had occurred, leaving the league’s heavyweights shocked and empty-handed.

Tinkler will be hoping for a similar outcome. With a fresh squad and plenty of options to deploy against a resurgent Siwelele FC, who have also been working hard to improve their fortunes, Sekhukhune will be aiming to assert control in the contest.

Lehlohonolo Seema’s side have had some promising results, securing four points from their last two matches, including a hard-fought goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.

Sekhukhune enters the contest as the better-placed team though, boasting greater squad depth and the psychological edge of better results so far this season. However, playing at the Dr. Molemela Stadium has proven difficult for visiting sides. 

Even Pirates (1-0) had to work hard to secure maximum points late in their encounter, highlighting the challenge the Limpopo outfit will face.

Seema has pushed his squad to work collectively and fight for each other, and with his insight into Sekhukhune, having managed them last season, could prove useful in devising strategies. 

Tinkler, meanwhile, can rely on key players stepping up to meet the team’s ambitions. New striker Bradley Grobler has been a standout, scoring six league goals and leading the attack with experience and precision.

Injuries have previously hindered his progress, but Tinkler will hope that the international break and previous match postponements have not affected his sharpness.

Siwelele, with only two wins from their first ten matches, knows there is little room for error as the fight to climb the table intensifies. A victory over a potentially rusty Sekhukhune side could be a landmark result, boosting confidence and shaking both ends of the standings.