Sekhukhune United's unbeaten run ends as Polokwane City grab Limpopo bragging rights

Polokwane City put a huge dent in Sekhukhune United’s early Betway Premiership run as they handed them their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.

A first-half goal from Simon Ramabu delivered Phuti Mohafe and his charges their third win of the season, while Eric Tinkler’s side suffered their first loss.

Local pride was at stake, and while Sekhukhune entered the contest as the team to beat, City — with a decent start to their campaign — carried just enough threat to challenge for derby day bragging rights.

Babina Noko were forced out of the comfort of the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, where they remain unbeaten, and relocated next door to the smaller Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. With less than a kilometre separating the two venues, the short walk underscored the tough challenge that awaited them against their neighbours.

Not much has separated these sides in recent meetings, but this derby carried added weight. For Sekhukhune, who came into the clash with an eight-point gap over their city rivals, it was an opportunity to stretch their lead further from the chasing pack.

The log leaders enjoyed much of the opening exchanges, dictating possession and tempo. Yet it was City who struck first, turning the narrative on its head. In the 32nd minute, Ramabu capitalised on a lapse, with goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata sliding out of position and leaving his near post exposed. Ramabu’s finish punished the error and handed Rise and Shine a 1-0 lead, throwing a spanner into Sekhukhune’s season plans.

Suddenly, the visitors faced the real possibility of losing their first match of the season, having remained unbeaten up to that point. Bradley Grobler, their leading marksman with six goals so far, was kept unusually quiet, tightly marked and starved of service; his influence was effectively nullified throughout the match.

Sekhukhune’s best chance to claw back came in the 39th minute through Ellis Rammala. His thunderous strike from distance forced City keeper Brian Okoth into a brilliant save, tipping the effort over the bar to preserve City’s advantage.

Despite their best efforts, Babina Noko failed to create any clear-cut opportunities in the second half, as their well-drilled neighbours gave little away and walked off with a famous win.