Sekhukhune United aim for MTN8 comeback against Stellenbosch, with talisman Makgalwa on song

Eric Tinkler must be a happy coach — his team, Sekhukhune United, and talisman Keletso Makgalwa, have hit the right notes at the right time.

Sekhukhune United will face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 semi-final second leg at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 6pm, trailing 2-0 from last weekend’s first-leg defeat in Stellenbosch. The ginger-haired coach lamented after that game that his troops had not followed his instructions.

That loss also dented their perfect start to the season, having won all three of their opening matches — two in the Betway Premiership and one in the Wafa Wafa Cup.

However, Tinkler’s troops bounced back on Tuesday night, defeating newcomers Orbit College 3-0 away. The victory propelled them to the top of the log standings with a perfect record after five matches, including wins over Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy.

Tuesday’s win — coupled with a clean sheet and a Player of the Match performance from Makgalwa — has boosted confidence ahead of the MTN8 semi-final clash. In knockout matches, clean sheets are as important as goals. Having already conceded twice away to Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune cannot afford to concede at home.

A goal for Stellenbosch in Polokwane would count twice — cushioning their lead and providing an away-goal advantage, if needed. Renaldo Leaner and his defence must be as solid as they were against Orbit, avoiding the mistakes made in the first leg. Goals will also be crucial if Sekhukhune are to come back and progress to the MTN8 final for the first time since their promotion four seasons ago.

That is where Bradley Grobler and company enter the equation. They need to bring their scoring boots and showcase relentless attacking prowess against an improving Stellenbosch defence.

What will please Tinkler heading into the game is that Keletso Makgalwa is in fine form, living up to his “King of Assists” moniker. Makgalwa was the standout performer against Orbit, providing all three assists — two for Vusumzi Mncube’s brace and one for Tshepo Mokoena’s goal.

The outstanding display and current form of the 28-year-old are exactly what Babina Noko need, particularly after Tinkler had bemoaned Makgalwa’s sluggish start to the season. The coach admitted before the first leg that transfer rumours seemed to have affected the player’s performances.

He advised Makgalwa that the only way to attract serious interest from other clubs was to improve on last season’s form, and the club would not stand in his way if genuine offers came in.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns youth product appears to have heeded his coach’s advice. After just five games this season, he is only seven assists shy of last season’s tally.

Makgalwa’s progress has not gone unnoticed by rival fans either — some Orlando Pirates supporters have suggested he could replace Relebohile Mofokeng should the youngster move abroad. Mofokeng is reportedly on the radar of MLS side Minnesota United, who have allegedly tabled an offer close to $2 million (about R35m).

While a move abroad may be out of Makgalwa’s control, he can determine his own fate by staying consistent and delivering top-level performances week in and week out. A strong showing ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the Afcon tournament in Morocco later this year could further enhance his chances of a big move.

That is why he cannot afford to take his foot off the gas, particularly when Tinkler will be relying on him to deliver more assists against Stellenbosch in Polokwane on Saturday evening.