Polokwane City vs Sekhukhune United

The first semi-final of the newly launched Mafori Cup kicked off at 09:00 local time at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, pitting two Betway Premiership sides against each other in a pre-season sharpener. First-half chances were scarce, with both teams still building match fitness. The game reached half-time goalless — 0-0 at the break.

The deadlock came in the 58th minute. Bright Ndlovu found space inside the Polokwane box and finished calmly to put Babina Noko ahead. It was the defining — and only — moment of quality in a contest otherwise characterised by defensive solidity and pre-season rust.

Polokwane City pushed for an equaliser in the final half-hour but could not break down a well-organised Sekhukhune defence. The 1-0 scoreline held through to the final whistle.

Ndlovu's 58th-minute strike was the match's only moment of incision. Until then, the game had followed a typical early-pre-season pattern — misplaced passes, cautious pressing, and neither goalkeeper seriously tested. The goal forced Polokwane City to chase the game earlier than their fitness levels could sustain, and they created little of note in response.

Bright Ndlovu (Sekhukhune United) — The match-winner. His composed finish in the 58th minute was the solitary moment of quality in a contest otherwise defined by defensive organisation. Ndlovu continued his fine form into the new campaign, having been a key figure for Sekhukhune in the previous season.

Sekhukhune United defence — The collective defensive display was the story of the game. They absorbed pressure after taking the lead and kept a clean sheet against a Polokwane side that has traditionally been strong at home.

Polokwane City goalkeeper — Made several routine saves to keep the score at 1-0, though detailed shot data was not available from the official provider.

The match followed a pattern consistent with the historical head-to-head record between these two sides. In 8 previous meetings, goals average 1.0 per game (2 wins each, 4 draws). The 0-0 half-time scoreline and single second-half goal fit that template. Both teams were still building match sharpness, and the solitary strike was sufficient to separate them.

Sekhukhune United advanced to the Mafori Cup final, where they later defeated Magesi FC 1-0 to lift the inaugural trophy — completing a clean sweep of the competition. For Polokwane City, the defeat was a pre-season setback but a valuable fitness workout under new coaching structures.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Betway Premiership action on 15 August 2026.

A tight, early-season contest decided by a single moment of quality. Bright Ndlovu's finish was the difference between two sides at similar stages of pre-season preparation. Sekhukhune's defensive organisation will encourage their coaching staff; Polokwane's lack of creativity in the final third is a concern they have time to address before the league campaign begins.