Sekhukhune United underdogs no more as they target PSL silverware

Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo believes the club has grown past its underdog status and is now ready to challenge for major honours, as Babina Noko gear up for what promises to be their most ambitious season yet.

Speaking during the club’s official launch of their new kit and sponsor on Monday, Mntambo reflected on his journey since joining the side in 2022 and detailed how the expectations have grown year by year.

“When I arrived at the club in 2022, the mandate was very clear — we do better than what we did last season,” said the skipper. “We finished seventh then and it was our first time in the top eight.”

From there, the rise has been steady and strategic. In the 2023/24 campaign, Sekhukhune not only finished fourth in the Premiership but also reached the Nedbank Cup final and earned the right to represent South Africa in intercontinental competition. 

They followed that up with another fourth-place finish last season, but according to Mntambo, the improvement lies in the details.

“Last season we finished fourth again, but that’s an improvement for us if you look at the points we gained,” he said. 

“We go into the season playing to win a cup or the league if possible, but we’re targeting eclipsing the 50-point mark this season.”

And those aren’t just empty ambitions. Sekhukhune have been one of the most active teams in the transfer market, making a statement with several high-profile acquisitions in the past week alone.

The club confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga on Saturday. 

The former Polokwane City shot-stopper will provide competition for long-time No.1 Toaster Nsabata, adding depth and experience to a key department.

Babina Noko also pulled off the signing of veteran striker Bradley Grobler, bringing in a proven goal scorer with years of PSL experience.

In midfield, Ronaldo Maarman joins to inject creativity, while former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm has also been roped in to bring grit and stability in the centre of the park.

“With the new players, I think management and the chairman have done an incredible job by spotting and bringing us players that are going to improve our team,” said Mntambo. 

“We’ve had senior players coming in and they have an opportunity to show their quality again, so I hope they come in and hit the ground running and help us get to the next level.”

For a club that only made its Premiership debut three seasons ago, Sekhukhune’s transformation has been remarkable. 

With consistency in the technical team, smart recruitment, and a clear goal to break through the 50-point barrier, the message is loud and clear — Babina Noko are no longer just participating.

“We’ve punched above our weight,” Mntambo concluded.

And if their preparations are anything to go by, Sekhukhune United are stepping into 2025/26 as more than just dark horses — they’re aiming to be champions.