The expectations for Sekhukhune United are not to give the heavyweights a run for their money, but the less fancied side is punching above its weight. Sekhukhune sits third on the log, ten points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their position on the log is on a knife-edge with the chasing pack of SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs, Royal Am and Orlando Pirates closing in on them.
Sekhukhune fell to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, but the head coach MacDonald Makhubedu opines that his side showed plenty of attitude in the defeat.
Goals from Neo Maema and Themba Zwane ensured that Babina Noko fell to their fourth defeat of the season. MacDonald Makhubedu will, however, feel hard done by a controversial penalty that gave Sundowns their second goal.
Following TV replays, it was evident that a sizable chunk of the ball hit Nyiko Mobbie in the stomach. The incident occurred in the box from Peter Shalulile’s shot. The coach, however, refused to be drawn into arguments over whether it ought to be a penalty or not.
Speaking to SuperSport TV, Makhubedu asked for patience, claiming that Ngcobo would verify if the penalty call was right or wrong. He said that Ngcobo was at home, watching everything and that on Monday, he would come up with an answer.
MacDonald Makhubedu was impressed with his team and said they played against a quality side. He claims it was a game of two halves and that the second half belonged to them as they came out stronger. He further reiterated that Sundowns should deserve respect, but they managed them better in the second half.
“In the second half, we had to come back stronger, bring in two out-and-out wingers in Vusimuzi Mncube and [Tshidiso] Patjie and take out [Nkanyiso] Madonsela who we wanted to use in our transitions and Pogiso [Mahlangu] also, centrally,” he continued.
Denis Onyango received his marching orders in the 86th minute forcing Mamelodi Sundowns to finish the game with ten men.