Sekhukhune United booked their place in the next round of the South Africa Premier League Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Richards Bay on 26 October 2026, driven by a sharp second-half display and goals from Thabang Mokoena, Lucky Mkhabela and Sibusiso Nkosi.

After a cagey opening, Sekhukhune United found their rhythm and gradually imposed themselves on the tie. Richards Bay stayed competitive and pulled a goal back late, but the hosts’ control in midfield and greater cutting edge in the final third proved decisive in a 3-1 result that flattered neither side’s effort nor Sekhukhune’s finishing.

Match overview

Sekhukhune United began with intent, pressing Richards Bay’s defenders and looking to win the ball high. The early pressure produced corners and half-chances, and the breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Thabang Mokoena arrived late in the box to convert a low cross.

Richards Bay responded well to going behind. They slowed the game down, kept possession in wide areas and forced Sekhukhune to defend for spells. The visitors had a strong shout for a penalty waved away before half-time, and they went into the break believing they were still very much in the contest.

The second half, however, belonged to Sekhukhune. They doubled the lead seven minutes after the restart through Lucky Mkhabela, whose curling effort from the edge of the area found the far corner. Sibusiso Nkosi added a third in the 78th minute after a quick counter, effectively ending Richards Bay’s hopes of a comeback.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Thabang Mokoena opens the scoring for Sekhukhune United after a well-worked move down the left.
• 41st minute: Richards Bay appeal for a penalty, but the referee waves play on.
• 52nd minute: Lucky Mkhabela doubles the lead with a composed finish from outside the box.
• 78th minute: Sibusiso Nkosi makes it 3-0 after a fast break through the middle.
• 87th minute: Sanele Mthethwa scores a consolation goal for Richards Bay with a neat finish inside the area.

Tactical story

Sekhukhune United’s midfield trio controlled the centre of the pitch, allowing their full-backs to advance and create overloads in wide areas. Their pressing was coordinated rather than reckless, and it forced Richards Bay into several hurried clearances. The hosts also showed variety in attack, mixing direct runs with patient possession around the box.

Richards Bay’s best moments came when they stretched the game and got their wingers into one-on-one situations. But they struggled to sustain pressure, and each time they gained a foothold, Sekhukhune responded with a goal or a spell of controlled possession. The third goal was particularly damaging, arriving just as Richards Bay had begun to believe a comeback was possible.

Standout performers

Mokoena set the tone with the opener and linked play well throughout, while Mkhabela’s goal was the highlight of a strong all-round midfield performance. Nkosi’s energy and movement caused problems all night. For Richards Bay, Mthethwa took his consolation goal well and was one of the few visiting players able to carry a consistent threat.

What it means

Sekhukhune United move forward in the South Africa Premier League Cup with confidence and a convincing scoreline behind them. Richards Bay will be disappointed by the manner in which the game slipped away after half-time, but their late goal offers a small positive to take into their next fixture. For Sekhukhune, the challenge now is to carry this attacking fluency into the next round.