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By Sello Masilo
Sekhukhune United kicked off their 2024-25 Betway Premiership season in style, securing a narrow 1-0 win over newly-promoted Magesi FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening. The highly anticipated Limpopo derby saw Sekhukhune’s new signing, DR Congo forward Andy Boyeli, score a crucial debut goal just before halftime, which was enough to hand Babina Noko all three points. Magesi FC, playing in their first-ever top-flight match, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short of claiming a share of the spoils in this tight contest.
Sekhukhune dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down Magesi’s disciplined defence. Boyeli’s strike in the 44th minute came as a relief to the home fans, and while Sekhukhune had further chances to extend their lead, they were unable to do so. Magesi came close to levelling the score but lacked the clinical edge needed in front of goal. The match ended with a tense final few minutes as Sekhukhune defended their slim lead, holding on for a well-deserved victory.
First Half: Boyeli Breaks the Deadlock
Sekhukhune United began the match confidently, asserting their dominance in possession and dictating the tempo of the game from the outset. Babina Noko moved the ball well through midfield, and their early pressure forced Magesi FC to defend deep in their own half. However, despite their territorial advantage, Sekhukhune found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against Magesi’s well-organised backline.
The first real opportunity of the match came in the 43rd minute when Sekhukhune’s quick transition play set up Keletso Makgalwa with a chance to open the scoring. A well-constructed team move saw the ball land at Makgalwa’s feet with only Magesi goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle to beat, but the forward’s tame effort went straight into the hands of Mpandle, letting Magesi off the hook.
Just a minute later, Sekhukhune made no mistake with their next opportunity. Vusumuzi Mncube, a key figure in Sekhukhune’s attack throughout the first half, delivered a precise low cross from the right, which was met by debutant Andy Boyeli. The DR Congo forward showed excellent composure to slot the ball past Mpandle, putting Sekhukhune ahead with a well-taken finish.
The goal injected more energy into the home side, and they nearly doubled their advantage before the halftime whistle. In injury time, midfielder Thabang Monare unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but his effort struck the crossbar, much to the relief of Magesi’s defence. The halftime whistle blew with Sekhukhune leading 1-0, leaving Magesi FC with plenty to ponder during the break.
Second Half: Magesi Fight Back, Sekhukhune Hold Firm
The second half saw Magesi FC come out with renewed determination as they looked to find a way back into the match. Coach Clinton Larsen made several tactical adjustments during the break, encouraging his side to push higher up the pitch and put more pressure on Sekhukhune’s defence. This shift in approach paid dividends early on, as Magesi began creating more chances, with their pace on the wings causing problems for the Sekhukhune fullbacks.
In the 53rd minute, Magesi had their best chance of the match. Kgaogelo Sekgota, who had been a lively presence on the right wing, delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which found midfielder Samuel Darpoh in space. However, Darpoh’s composure deserted him at the crucial moment, as he ballooned his shot over the crossbar from close range. It was a missed opportunity that Magesi would come to regret, as Sekhukhune’s defence regrouped and tightened up in the closing stages.
Sekhukhune continued to threaten on the counterattack, and while they created several half-chances, they were unable to find the back of the net for a second time. The introduction of fresh legs in the form of substitutes Tumelo Mokhuoane and Edwin Vandala provided more energy, but Magesi’s defence stood firm to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
As the game moved into the final quarter, Magesi threw caution to the wind, committing more men forward in a desperate attempt to snatch an equaliser. Despite their efforts, they were unable to break down Sekhukhune’s resolute defence, and the hosts held on for a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Tactical Analysis: Khabo Zondo’s Approach
Sekhukhune United head coach Khabo Zondo set his team up with a balanced approach, focusing on controlling possession and patiently building their attacks from midfield. The experienced coach relied heavily on the creative play of Thabang Monare and Vusumuzi Mncube to orchestrate the game in the middle of the park, while Andy Boyeli provided a constant threat in the final third with his movement and finishing ability.
Zondo’s tactical plan worked to great effect in the first half, as Sekhukhune dominated possession and limited Magesi’s ability to transition quickly. However, their failure to convert possession into goals meant the game remained on a knife-edge until Boyeli’s breakthrough in the 44th minute.
In the second half, Zondo instructed his team to sit deeper and defend their lead, relying on quick counterattacks to catch Magesi out of position. While this shift in approach invited more pressure from Magesi, Sekhukhune’s defensive organisation held firm, with goalkeeper Ali Sangare rarely called into action. Zondo’s game management in the final stages of the match ensured that his side came away with all three points.
Magesi’s First Taste of Top-Flight Football
For newly-promoted Magesi FC, this match was a baptism of fire as they experienced their first encounter in the Betway Premiership. Coach Clinton Larsen will take heart from his team’s performance, particularly in the second half when they showed greater attacking intent and created several opportunities to level the score.
Despite the defeat, Magesi can take plenty of positives from their display, especially in defence, where the partnership of Lindokuhle Mokone and Jayden Abrahams provided a solid base. Goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle also impressed, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Larsen’s side lacked the cutting edge in the final third, with striker Rodney Manzini struggling to make a significant impact against a well-drilled Sekhukhune defence. Magesi will need to sharpen their attacking play if they are to compete at this level, but their performance in this match suggests they have the potential to hold their own in the top flight.
Key Moments of the Match
1. 44th Minute: Boyeli’s Debut Goal
• Sekhukhune took the lead just before halftime when Vusumuzi Mncube’s low cross from the right found Andy Boyeli, who fired the ball into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
2. 45+2 Minute: Monare Hits the Crossbar
• Sekhukhune nearly doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, but Thabang Monare’s powerful shot from distance rattled the crossbar.
3. 53rd Minute: Darpoh Misses a Golden Opportunity
• Magesi came close to equalising early in the second half when Samuel Darpoh was presented with a chance in the box, but his effort flew over the bar.
4. 90th Minute: Sekhukhune Hold On
• Magesi piled on the pressure in the final stages, but Sekhukhune’s defence held firm, with Sangare commanding his box and making crucial interventions to preserve his team’s lead.Post-Match Reactions
After the match, Sekhukhune United coach Khabo Zondo praised his team’s discipline and ability to grind out the result. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, especially in a derby, but the boys showed great character. It wasn’t the prettiest win, but we got the job done, and that’s what matters. Andy [Boyeli] did well on his debut, and I’m happy for him,” Zondo said.
Magesi coach Clinton Larsen, despite the defeat, remained upbeat about his team’s prospects in the Premiership. “It’s always tough in your first game at this level, but I thought the boys handled themselves well. We had chances to get something from the game, but we lacked that final touch. We’ll learn from this and improve as the season goes on,” Larsen remarked.
Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures
Sekhukhune United will be looking to build on this positive start when they face Chippa United at home on Wednesday, 25 September. Zondo’s side will be keen to maintain their momentum and establish themselves as contenders early in the season.
For Magesi FC, the challenge continues as they prepare for another Limpopo derby, this time against Polokwane City on Saturday, 21 September. Larsen will hope his team can find their scoring touch and secure their first points in the top flight.
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