Sekhukhune United stand tall, despite defeat in Nedbank Cup final
Sekhukhune's 2022/23 season was a success. They finished the league in position seven, having accumulated 40 points.
Terrence Dzvukamanja’s goal in the 94th minute saw Orlando Pirates clinch the Nedbank Cup final at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane on Saturday night.
The Sea Robbers defeated Sekhukhune United 2-1.
Babina Noko led through an early goal by veteran midfielder, Sibusiso Vilakazi, who capitalised on a mistake by Pirates’ defenders. The goal was scored in the 12th minute.
Pirates pushed for an equaliser and were eventually rewarded on the stroke of half-time through a dubious penalty after Victor Letsoalo appeared to have handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Tapelo Xoki stepped up and equalised for the Buccaneers just before half-time.
The two teams headed to the dressing room deadlocked at 1-1. The second half was a balanced affair, with both teams playing cautiously.
The game seemed to be heading to extra time, but Pirates broke the hearts of Sekhukhune’s supporters when man of the match, Monnapule Saleng, spotted Dzvukamanja in the box and made a pinpoint pass.
The ball was slotted into the goal to hand the Soweto giants an advantage.
With three minutes left of referee’s optional time, Babina Noko succumbed in their maiden cup final.
On the penalty, Babina Noko’s coach Brandon Truter was a bit coy, “If I go into that, I’ll be sounding bitter.”
Truter was happy with his team’s performance, he said his squad is good enough to reach more cup finals in the future and maybe even win them.
“I think it was a good final for the supporters; a good advert for Nedbank Cup soccer. Of course we scored early, and they scored the last goal and won it,” reacted Truter.
“I’m extremely proud of the boys with the strides made this season – so many accolades, so many achievements, so I can’t be bitter about this result. I’m sure there will be more finals with the progression in the team, but other than that, you wake up in the morning with expectations and the day will end with experiences.”
The Nedbank Cup is Pirates’ second trophy this season after they clinched the MTN 8 earlier in
the year.
Sekhukhune’s 2022/23 season was a success. They finished the league in position seven, having accumulated 40 points.
Being runners-up in the Nedbank Cup, ensures they also qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
