Sekhukhune eye ‘Remontada’ in MTN8 semi-final against Stellies

Sekhukhune United will need nothing short of a remontada if they are to overturn a two-goal deficit against Stellenbosch FC and reach their first MTN8 final.

The two teams will meet again in the decider on Saturday at 6pm. 

Babina Noko were undone in Cape Town two weeks ago, Stellies punishing their defensive lapses to claim a 2-0 advantage in the first leg.

Head coach coach Eric Tinkler admitted afterwards that his side had failed to follow instructions, a lapse that has left them with a mountain to climb in Saturday’s decisive clash in Polokwane.

But comebacks are not foreign territory in football. From Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League fightbacks (remontanda) to Sekhukhune’s own ability to turn games around, belief remains central to knockout football. 

Former Bafana Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro is among those who still fancy Babina Noko to push Stellies all the way.

“You can never write off Sekhukhune, I’m very impressed with how they’ve exerted themselves at this early stage of the season and we saw them come back from two goals down against TS Galaxy to win 3-2,” said Majoro.

The comeback over Galaxy in the league last season underlined their never-say-die mentality, and that spirit will be vital once again. 

The task is clear: score at least twice without reply to force extra time, or three to progress outright.

Tinkler’s men had begun the campaign in promising fashion, knocking TS Galaxy out in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 and then beating Orlando Pirates in their Betway Premiership opener. 

They backed that up with another win over Galaxy at home, raising expectations that this group could finally push for silverware.

The first-leg defeat to Stellenbosch, however, was a sobering reminder of the ruthlessness required at this stage of the competition. 

But their 3-0 midweek victory over Orbit College restored confidence, proving that the attacking spark is very much alive.

Polokwane will provide the backdrop for the second leg, and Sekhukhune will be counting on the Peter Mokaba crowd to create an intimidating atmosphere. 

If Babina Noko are to achieve this feat, they will also knock off a bad omen attached to them against their opponents from the Western Cape. 

Sekhukhune have not been able to beat Stellies in their last eight clashes in all competions, losing the last two with the last Sekhukhune win coming two years ago.

A quick start will be crucial — as conceding first could kill the tie before it gathers any drama. Majoro believes that quality in key areas could tilt the game. 

“Also any team that has Bradley Grobler as their main man always has a chance and the MTN8 is a competition that all clubs want to get their hands on,” he added.

For Sekhukhune, this is about more than a match. It’s an opportunity to prove their growth, summon resilience, and perhaps script their own unforgettable ‘remontada’.