Stellenbosch FC has booked their place in the MTN8 final for the second year in a row after holding Sekhukhune United to a 1-1 draw in Polokwane, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory. They will now face Orlando Pirates in what promises to be a thrilling repeat of last season’s final.
First-Half Drama
Sekhukhune started strong and nearly took an early lead in the 5th minute when Keletso Makgalwa teed up Bradley Grobler, but the veteran striker failed to convert. Grobler’s misfortunes continued as he spurned two more chances before the break.
Stellies capitalized in the 22nd minute when Mthetheleli Mthiyani unleashed a powerful strike from range to put the visitors ahead. Devin Titus came close to doubling the lead in the 36th minute, but goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner denied him with a sharp save. Andre De Jong also had a chance to extend the lead, but his effort drifted wide, leaving Stellenbosch with a slender 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Second-Half Battle
The second half saw both sides pushing hard. Henri Stanic fired over the bar early in the stanza, while Leaner was again tested by a long-range shot from Ibraheem Jabaar in the 55th minute.
Sekhukhune finally found a lifeline in the 66th minute when Siphesihle Mkhize netted from a well-placed Tsepo Matsimbi cross. However, Grobler’s woes continued when he blasted over in the 73rd minute, missing another crucial opportunity to change the game’s momentum.
On to the Final
The match ended in a stalemate, but Stellenbosch’s first-leg advantage proved enough to see them through. Coach Steve Barker praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their composure under pressure and clinical edge in key moments.
Stellies will now turn their attention to the much-anticipated showdown with Orlando Pirates, aiming to claim their first-ever MTN8 trophy after falling short in last year’s final.
Fans can expect a heated contest when these two sides meet again, with Stellenbosch eager to rewrite history and Pirates looking to defend their crown.