Sekhukhune United kept their dream of a top-three finish in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Cape Town City on Sunday evening, April 6, at the DHL Stadium. In a game that saw drama, determination, and moments of brilliance, Babina Noko walked away with a crucial three points that now see them sitting in third place on the league table.
For a side determined to qualify for continental football next season, this victory meant more than just revenge—it completed a league double over City, a feat that underlines Sekhukhune’s growth this season. Coach Brandon Truter’s team showed grit, especially after going a man down early in the second half.
Early Brilliance from Letlapa
The visitors got off to a lively start, with 21-year-old Vuyo Letlapa lighting up the left flank. The youngster, full of energy and confidence, made an early impact by providing a delightful assist in the 27th minute. His low cross found Samkelo Sihlali, who coolly slotted the ball past City’s goalkeeper Darren Keet to score his first-ever professional goal.
It was a proud moment for Sihlali and a perfect start for Babina Noko, who were looking to impose themselves on the game from the onset.
Letlapa wasn’t done just yet. Just before halftime, he was at it again—this time teeing up Nigerian striker Chibuike Ohizu. The forward didn’t disappoint, rifling the ball into the net to double Sekhukhune’s lead in the 42nd minute. It was Ohizu’s fourth league goal of the season and another reminder of how vital he is to this side.
At 2-0, Sekhukhune looked in control, full of confidence and well on their way to sealing the win.
A Red Card Turns the Tide
However, football is rarely straightforward. Just a minute into the second half, the game took a turn. Newly signed midfielder Khulekani Shezi, who joined Sekhukhune from Royal AM, received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the visitors with 10 men for nearly the entire second half.
Suddenly, the momentum shifted. Cape Town City, who had been largely second-best in the first half, began to find space and build pressure. Coach Diogo Peral made several tactical substitutions to take advantage of the extra man, introducing Gonzalez and Francis at the break in a bold attacking move.
And it paid off.
Cape Town City Fight Back
In the 67th minute, Jaedin Rhodes picked out Kayden Francis with a clever pass inside the box. Francis took a touch and fired past goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner to pull one back for the hosts. At 2-1, the home crowd at the DHL Stadium came to life, sensing a possible comeback.
With over 20 minutes left and an extra player on the pitch, City threw everything forward. The likes of Makaringe and Domingo joined the fray, but Sekhukhune’s defense stood strong.
Led by a focused Renaldo Leaner in goal and a backline that refused to buckle, the visitors absorbed the pressure. Substitutions such as Ngcobo and Mohamme helped freshen up the team as the clock wound down, and Babina Noko managed to hold onto their narrow lead until the final whistle.
Looking Ahead
This result marks a massive step forward for Sekhukhune United, who now sit comfortably in third place as they head into a short break before facing Polokwane City on April 19. Coach Brandon Truter will no doubt be pleased with the attacking prowess his side showed in the first half, as well as the resilience they displayed when reduced to 10 men.
For Cape Town City, however, it’s another bitter pill to swallow. This was their 13th defeat of the season—a statistic that leaves them languishing in 14th place and perilously close to the relegation zone. Coach Diogo Peral will be hoping his team can bounce back quickly when they face Richards Bay away on April 18. The pressure is mounting, and every point will count as they try to climb the table in the season’s final stretch.
Team Lineups and Substitutions
Cape Town City:
Darren Keet; Thamsanqa Mkhize (Bezuidenhout 80’), Lorenzo Gordinho, Iduma, Nyama; Petrus, Amato (Domingo 80’), Makaringe (Serero 68’); Darwin Gonzalez (46’), Soukouna (Francis 46’), Jaedin Rhodes.
Sekhukhune United:
Renaldo Leaner; Langa, Vuyo Letlapa, Mogaila (Ngcobo 83’), Tshibwabwa (Mohamme 46’); Mtshali (Ngakosso-Oko 59’), Monare, Mncube (Shezi 11’), Rammala; Sihlali, Ohizu.
Final Thoughts
This win encapsulated everything that’s gone right for Sekhukhune United this season—youthful energy, team cohesion, and the ability to dig deep under pressure. The emergence of young talents like Letlapa and Sihlali, combined with experienced players like Ohizu and Monare, has created a balanced squad capable of competing at the top.
Meanwhile, for Cape Town City, the challenges are piling up. They showed signs of life in the second half, but their slow start and defensive frailties continue to cost them. The next match could be crucial in determining whether they sink deeper into the relegation battle or finally turn the corner.
For now, though, all the smiles belong to Babina Noko. A top-three finish is within reach—and performances like this suggest they’re ready to grab it.