Sekhukhune United extend unbeaten run with clinical win over Durban City

Sekhukhune United extended their impressive league form with a commanding 2-0 victory over Durban City at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.

The result lifts the Limpopo-based side back to the summit of the standings after it was briefly occupied by Mamelodi Sundowns as they head into the International break unbeaten.

First-half strikes from Bradley Grobler and Thabang Monare sealed the win, with City undone by costly defensive lapses.

The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute when City’s attempt to play out from the back went awry. Under pressure, Darren Keet miscontrolled a back pass from Liam de Kock, leaving the loose ball to fall for Grobler. 

The veteran striker needed no second invitation, spotting Keet off his line and producing a moment of brilliance with a perfectly weighted chip from distance that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net for his 100th career league goal.

Sekhukhune, who were coming off a 1-1 midweek draw against AmaZulu, carried a relentless intensity from the outset. But City failed to heed the warning signs, and five minutes later they were punished again. 

De Kock was dispossessed by the onrushing Ngoanamello Rammala, whose quick intervention set up Monare to slot home and double the advantage in the 15th minute.

The early cushion left City rattled while Babina Noko continued to dictate the contest. Rammala almost added a third on the stroke of halftime, forcing Keet into a fine save with a powerful strike that kept the visitors in the game heading into the break.

Though Gavin Hunt’s side steadied somewhat in the second half, the damage had already been done with his sides spirited league start coming to a sudden halt as they suffered their first defeat of the season. 

Sekhukhune, meanwhile, underlined their credentials as one of the season’s early frontrunners with a controlled and convincing display which saw them to their fourth win of the campaign.