It was a night of drama, lightning delays, and heroics as Siwelele FC stunned title contenders Sekhukhune United 1–0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Friday, October 31.
Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss emerged as the hero, saving a late penalty to preserve all three points for Lehlohonolo Seema’s side, while forward Siviwe Magidigidi fired home the decisive goal in the 74th minute.
Sekhukhune had entered the match eyeing the summit of the Betway Premiership standings, but Siwelele’s resilience — and a bit of Bloemfontein thunder — ensured that the visitors left empty-handed.
The game’s kickoff was delayed due to lightning, as was the second half, and both teams struggled to replicate the electricity in the sky. Tebogo Potsane forced a sharp save from Sekhukhune’s goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga early on, while Bradley Grobler thought he’d given the visitors the lead before the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the second half, Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler introduced attacking duo Ronaldo Maarman and Sphiwe Mahlangu to break the deadlock, but it was the hosts who found the breakthrough instead. Substitute Aphiwe Baliti linked up brilliantly with Magidigidi, who smashed home his third goal of the season to send the home fans into raptures.
There was late drama when Sekhukhune’s Luyanda Letlapa was brought down in the box by Yanda Mfolozi. Up stepped Keletso Makgalwa — but Ricardo Goss produced a superlative save to deny him from the penalty spot, sealing a famous victory for Siwelele.
The win lifts Siwelele to 12th on the log with 11 points from 11 matches, while Sekhukhune remain second on 20 points from 10 games — missing a chance to extend their lead over Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Coach Seema’s side now turn their attention to a tricky away clash against Stellenbosch FC on November 5, while Babina Noko host Richards Bay a day earlier, determined to get their title push back on track.
Match Summary
Siwelele 1 (Magidigidi 74’)
Sekhukhune United 0
Siwelele FC: Goss, Sanoka, Rapoo, Mfolozi, Gamphani (Saile 61′), Potsane (Baliti 61′), Makhele, Margeman (Zwane 80′), Moralo (Pule 68′), Mokhuoane, Magidigidi (Nurkovic 80′).
Sekhukhune United: Sapunga, Ndlovu, Letlapa, Mkhize, Medupi, Mncube (Mahlangu 63′), Monare (Timm 82′), Mashiloane, Rammala (Maarman 63′), Grobler, Makgalwa.
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