Sekhukhune United maintain top spot despite Sundowns’ defeat
Sekhukhune United maintain their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table with an unbeaten start, despite a 1-1 draw against Chippa United, while Mamelodi Sundowns trail by two points with an inferior goal difference. Seen here: Sekhukhune goalscorer Bradley Grobler. Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Although Sekhukhune United did not seize their opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table on Wednesday, their excellent start to the season cannot be ignored.
Playing on their home turf against Chippa United at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Heritage Day, Sekhukhune were by far and away the dominant team.
With 68% of the ball, and 14 shots at goal compared to just the four of Chippa, Sekhukhune would have been frustrated to have missed out on a win as they drew 1-1.
With the sides heading into the interval goalless, Boy Madingwane grabbed the opener for Chippa eight minutes into the second half.
Controversial Penalty Leads To Draw As Sekhukhune Maintain Unbeaten Start
In response, Bradley Grobler made no mistake from the spot when Sekhukhune were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute. This was after the decision to award a penalty was met with controversy as Samkele Sihlali went down in the Chippa box in what appeared to be little contact with Seun Ndlovu.
Still, the draw preserved Sekhukhune’s unbeaten start to their new campaign. With six wins and two draws, they have risen to 20 points, top the table ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns on 18 points.
Sundowns who lost to Arrows on Wednesday, have played one more game than Sekhukhune. Sundowns also have an inferior goal difference of 9 -one less than the league leaders.
Of course, there will be few who actually expect Sekhukhune to remain top for too much longer.
Having won the last eight league titles in a row, Sundowns are overwhelming favourites to continue their domination of the land.