Sekhukhune United clinched a 2-0 victory over rivals Polokwane City in a heated Betway Premiership Limpopo derby at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, April 19, 2025. This win not only secured bragging rights for Sekhukhune but also propelled them to third place in the league standings, intensifying their push for a spot in the upcoming CAF Champions League.
The match started energetically, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Just seven minutes in, Polokwane City's Mokibelo Ramabu unleashed a powerful shot from distance, but it was comfortably saved by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Learner. Sekhukhune responded quickly, with Sikhosonke Langa testing the Polokwane defense with a strike from outside the area that was blocked.
As the first half progressed, Sekhukhune began to control the game, showcasing their attacking prowess. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Ellis Rammala scored his first goal for the club. Following a swift move towards the Polokwane box, Rammala found himself in a prime position and executed a well-placed right-footed shot from the center of the goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite trailing, Polokwane City showed resilience and attempted to equalize, creating several chances in the second half. They looked lively in the opening exchanges, with Oswin Appollis and Lengelihle Ndlovu both testing the Sekhukhune defense. However, the visitors struggled to convert their opportunities, often falling short at the final hurdle.
In a tactical response, Polokwane coach Phuti Mohafe made a double substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Nyakala Raphadu and Thato Letshedi to bolster his attack. Yet, it was Sekhukhune who would strike next, doubling their lead in the 79th minute. Daniel Cardoso capitalized on a corner situation, connecting with the ball to deliver a low-driven shot from the right-hand side of the 18-yard area that beat Polokwane's goalkeeper Brian Okoth.
With a two-goal cushion, Sekhukhune United maintained their composure, soaking up pressure from Polokwane City as they sought to mount a comeback. The home side's defense stood firm, and despite late substitutions, including Andy Boyeli and Ngakosso for Keletso Makgalwa and Langa, Sekhukhune held on to secure the victory.
This win marks Sekhukhune's second consecutive victory in the league, following a 2-1 triumph against Cape Town City two weeks prior. The team's performance against Polokwane City highlighted their determination and quality, as they now sit firmly in third place on the Betway Premiership table.
As for Polokwane City, this defeat adds to their struggles, having lost their previous match against Orlando Pirates. They will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
In other action on the same day, the Betway Premiership clash between Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw. Junior Dion opened the scoring for Gallants just before halftime, but Nduduzo Sibiya leveled the score for Arrows with a penalty in the second half. This match also showcased the competitive spirit of the league, with both teams displaying resilience and clinical finishing.
The Limpopo Derby, while not the most entertaining in recent years, has always been a fiercely contested affair. The last three encounters had ended in draws, but Sekhukhune United's performance on Saturday night proved to be a turning point, as they claimed the bragging rights in this local rivalry.
Looking ahead, Sekhukhune United will be eager to build on this momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the season and a potential CAF Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Polokwane City will have to reassess their strategy and find ways to convert their chances into points as they navigate the remainder of their campaign.
