Ex-Orlando Pirates striker hands ex‑Kaizer Chiefs coach winning debut as Stellies edge Sekhukhune

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Ex-Orlando Pirates striker hands ex‑Kaizer Chiefs coach winning debut as Stellies edge Sekhukhune

Former Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa marked a dream debut in Stellenbosch colours as his first‑half strike handed new head coach Gavin Hunt a winning start at the helm, with Stellies claiming a hard‑fought 1‑0 Betway Premiership victory over Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.

With league action resuming after a lengthy international break, both sides showed early signs of rust in Limpopo. However, Mabasa proved decisive, finding the net to guide Stellenbosch back to winning ways and kickstart their 2025/26 campaign on a positive note.

Sekhukhune began the encounter on the front foot, registering the first attempt on goal as early as the second minute when Tidiane Diomande unleashed a left‑footed effort from outside the 18‑yard area.

Babina Noko enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the opening stages but struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances. Stellenbosch threatened in the 19th minute when Langelihle Phili’s effort from the centre of the box was neatly saved by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.

As the half‑hour mark approached, Stellies grew into the contest, creating further opportunities through Phili and Enyinnaya Godswill, both of whom were denied by Leaner. With Sekhukhune showing signs of vulnerability, Stellenbosch capitalised in the 33rd minute.

After patiently passing their way through the Sekhukhune defensive line, Mabasa fired a shot inside the area that deflected off Daniel Cardoso and crossed the goal-line to give the visitors the lead.

Sekhukhune continued to control possession after the break and pushed forward in search of an equaliser as the hour mark approached. Despite sustained pressure on home soil, they found it difficult to break down a well‑organised Stellenbosch defence.

The pattern remained unchanged as time wore on, with Sekhukhune probing and Stellenbosch shifting into game‑management mode to protect their slender advantage. Even with six minutes of stoppage time added on, Babina Noko were unable to make decisive inroads.

Stellenbosch held firm in the closing stages to secure maximum points away from home and hand Hunt a successful debut in the dugout.

Betway Premiership result:

Sekhukhune United 0
Stellenbosch FC 1 (Mabasa 33’)

Sekhukhune United XI: Leaner, Letlapa, Cardoso, Ndlovu, Diomande (Rammala 46’), Malivha (Phiri 68’), Monare, Mogaila (Mokoane 80’), Makgalwa (Mojela 68’), Grobler (Boyeli 68’), Mncube

Stellenbosch FC XI: Stephens, Godswill, Mcaba, Stanic, Mdaka, Mthiyane, Titus (Barns 85’), Mabasa (Cupido 70’), Jabaar, Jooste (Nkwali 85’), Phili (Mokobodi 62’)

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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