The thrilling Caf Confederation Cup match was played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on a Friday night.

Both teams showcased captivating displays and generated numerous scoring opportunities during the first half, resulting in a halftime score of 0-0.

However, it was the home team that broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, courtesy of Nigerian international Etiosa Ighodaro, who capitalised on a brilliant assist from Ronald Pfumbidzai.

Ighodaro further embellished his performance by completing a brace in the 72nd minute.
In the 76th minute, Matsatsantsa executed double substitutions, with Pfumbidzai being replaced by Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Bradley Grobler stepping in for the two-goal hero, Ighodaro.

Matsatsantsa continued to assert their dominance, culminating in substitute Grobler finding the back of the net in the 90th minute, solidifying their commanding lead.
The match concluded with a final score of 3-0 in favor of the home side, SuperSport United.

The much-anticipated second leg clash is set to take place on Friday night at the iconic New Peter Mokaba Stadium, which served as a venue during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7pm.

This match is of paramount importance for Matsatsantsa, as they are determined to secure a victory after playing to a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the Gaborone-based outfit a fortnight ago.

The turning point in the previous encounter came three minutes into the second half when Keenan Bezuidenhout, a product of the DStv Diski Challenge squad, found the back of the net, putting Matsatsantsa in the lead.

While it seemed that SuperSport United was poised to return home with a positive result, the Botswana outfit managed to level the score during the referee’s added time, setting the stage for an electrifying rematch.

In this second leg encounter, SuperSport United is determined to capitalize on their home-ground advantage, drawing support not only from the Limpopo province but also from their fan base in the Gauteng province, where they are based.

he fervent backing of their loyal supporters is expected to play a pivotal role in their quest for victory.

Disgruntled fans threw objects onto the pitch following Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat to Supersport United.

“We do not condone such behaviour and we call on the SA Police to act swiftly against people who do such acts, as they endanger the lives of many people who are at the stadium to enjoy the match,” said Motaung.

“We know things have not gone well but it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s still early in the season and there’s still a lot to fight for.

“The technical team and the players are working hard to ensure that we put smiles on supporters’ faces, but for that to happen it is important that we need to exercise patience,” she says.

SuperSport United took the lead just 70 seconds into the match – Bradley Grobler initiated a high press, capitalised on a loose ball, and set up Terrence Dzvukamanja, who scored with a left-footed volley.

Kaizer Chiefs mounted several attacking efforts, with Ashley Du Preez being particularly influential when cutting inside from the left channel. However, they struggled to find the precision needed to trouble SuperSport’s goalkeeper, Ricardo Goss.

Amakhosi had their chances in the first half; Christian Saile and Jasond Gonzalez both had opportunities but failed to find the target.

Despite Chiefs’ attacking play, SuperSport United maintained their 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Chiefs continued to dominate possession and territory in the early stages of the second half.

SuperSport United looked dangerous on the counter-attack, partly due to the introduction of Gape Moralo as a substitute.

In 75th minute, a mistake by Chiefs’ veteran goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, nearly allowed SuperSport to score a second goal, however, Keenan Bezuidenhout’s ambitious lob missed the target.

n the 83rd minute, Chiefs came close to equalizing after a scramble in the box following a free-kick – the ball hit the frame of the goal. SuperSport had a chance of their own, with substitute Jabu Matsio being brilliantly denied by Khune.

In the 89th minute, Chiefs had one final opportunity when substitute Ranga Chivaviro attempted an acrobatic volley that went just over the crossbar. SuperSport United held on to their 1-0 lead, securing the victory.

Amakhosi will take on Matsatsantsa in the DStv Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kaizer Chiefs are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions while Supersport United lost one in four matches.

“We are taking a very strong team to SuperSport,” said Nteki. “The guys that are left behind are also very good players with good qualities. The attitude is very good in the squad.

“Those who have been left behind will also raise their hand to be selected for the game against Sundowns. We have done what has to be done in terms of the regeneration and the freshness of the players, and the tactical readiness to go and grind a result against SuperSport.

“It’s a big game. Whenever you play SuperSport, you expect a very tough game, highly physical, highly tactical.

“From our side, we have prepared well for the physical and tactical side of the game. Mentally, we are coming from a draw, so we are looking forward to putting smiles on our faces and the faces of our supporters.

“And also, to go into the next game with confidence, having played well against SuperSport. We are expecting a very tough game. When the going gets tough we need to get tougher, mentally and physically.

“We are facing a former coach of Kaizer Chiefs obviously, so we are looking forward to a good game where we are prepared to give a good performance. Good performances, I always say, will give you good results.”

On Saturday, 23 September Amakhosi will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8, semi-final, second leg and Ntseki insist that his focus on facing SuperSport.

“For us the SuperSport game is a cup final. You can’t go to the final if you don’t win your semifinal. You have to give your ‘A’ game.

“We have experience of going through situations like this. We had an away game against Stellies in Cape Town before we played Sundowns (in the MTN 8 semifinal first leg).

“I think the guys gave a very good account of themselves and tactically we had a good plan against Stellies, and won that game. We came back to prepare for Sundowns where everything went very well for us, except for the last minute where we were supposed to go home with a win.

“The approach is the same going into this game. It is one game at a time.”
By Zola Doda

Nigerian striker Chibuike Ohizu scored the opening goal for Sekhukhune United just 12 minutes into the game, putting his team ahead.

FC Saint Eloi Lupopo responded quickly with a goal by teenager Mokonzi Katumbwe, equalizing the score just three minutes after Ohizu’s goal.

Sekhukhune United regained the lead just before halftime with Jamie Webber scoring a goal.
Tresor Tshibwabwa, another Congolese player, extended Sekhukhune United’s lead with a well-taken third goal after the halftime break.

The second leg of this matchup is scheduled for 29th September, with both Sekhukhune and their opponent, FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, defending their advantages.

In another match on the same day, Gaborone United from Botswana and Supersport United from South Africa played to a 1-1 draw.

The winners of the second qualifying round ties will advance to the play-off round, bringing them closer to reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

The first leg of the preliminary round will take place at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday evening.

“Remember we have an experienced technical team, we have a great coach in Gavin Hunt and also Andre Arendse who has played crucial games for Bafana Bafana away from home,” the player told Supersport United website.

“So I cannot pre-empt what advice we have been getting from the technical team ahead of a crucial encounter but I am sure it’s definitely something that is helpful towards the big game on Saturday night.

“Playing away from home alone is not easy, away from your fans, the travelling and change of climate is definitely not in our advantage.

“So, having to adapt to the environment can be a challenge as well especially for new players who don’t have experience to play on the continent.

“But this is where some of us who have the experience come in handy to steady the ship and make sure we sail to safety and come out with a positive result.

The veteran goalkeeper joined Supersport United at the beginning of the season from Marumo Gallants.

The Zimbabwean international shared his thoughts on what Supersport United need to do in order to eliminate their opponents.

“What I know about Gaborone United, if I’m not mistaken they were runners-up in their league last season, so it means they are a good side. “We must treat this one like a Cup final and fight for a positive result because coming second in a 16-team league is not an easy one.”

The midfielder has been in rich vein of form and played a key role in Matsatsantsa’s 1-0 win against Cape Town City.

“He’s got that in his make-up but he doesn’t do it enough, I think he’s got so much speed over 10, 15 metres he can play combinations,” Hunt said.

“We don’t play with defensive midfield players and attacking midfield players, I don’t believe in that – so we need to understand the moments of the game.

“And he’s good in those moments, he can give us more, but the games he’s played here, he’s been good for us – long may it continue but yes, it’s an instruction from me.”

Matsatsantsa take on Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday night – two weeks after getting knocked out of the MTN8 by the Cape Town side.

The 31-year-old previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns, Rostov (Russia), Kaizer Chiefs, Maritzburg United, Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) and his last spell with Turan T IK (Azerbaijan) where he played 25 matches in Azerbaijan in last season’s campaign.

Xulu has been a regular feature in the national team under Hugo Broos and has over 25 caps under his belt and will look to contribute immensely in the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

“I think he is someone who can fit in well in the club,” said Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt. “He has a lot of experience. He wants to do it and I have known him for a very long time. He can also help out with the younger players that we’ve got.

“We can try form a very good combination. He’s a big signing for us and I’m happy that he’s here. He is tough, quick and a great defender. Good character as well which is needed in that position. He’s number one in Bafana which is a great signing for the club.”

Siyanda Xulu is excited to join Matsatsantsa,” “I am feeling very grateful. It’s another opportunity to play at home which is something that I needed now. When you get to this age, the one thing you need the most is stability.

SuperSport United gave me what I needed at the right time. I’m very excited for the new journey, the reason why I joined the club is because I saw a team that was headed to the right direction. I need the other guys to help me get organised just, so we can get to business.”

The 29-year-old joined Matsatsantsa from Orlando Pirates for an undisclosed transfer fee. “I know him very well as I have signed him before. He is a versatile top player and can play in multiple positions, which is what we need.

“We are happy to have him, he is a good goal scorer and can also play in areas that you need a player,” said Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt.