'Sitting deep’ Sekhukhune frustrate Stellies in Stephens’ milestone

Sekhukhune United spoilt Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens' landmark 100th appearance by claiming a 1-1 draw in their Premiership clash at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Stellenbosch enjoyed the advantage of playing most of the game against 10-man Sekhukhune after midfielder Siphesihle Mkhize was red-carded in the 28th minute.

With an overwhelming 73% possession advantage, Stellenbosch was well placed to highlight Stephens' career milestone, but they failed to exploit their good fortune. Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker said their tactics made them a hard nut to crack.

The spoils are shared 🤝

Stellenbosch FC 1️⃣-1️⃣ Sekhukhune Utd pic.twitter.com/QpwuaIZsKR

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 1, 2025

"I think the most difficult part of football is when you play games where teams are sitting deep. They're not giving you the space to exploit," said Barker.

"In that event, it becomes our responsibility to create the space and opportunities. It is something that we need to improve and work on so that we become better at it."

Barker said the team had the responsibility to win given the twin advantage of playing with an extra player and playing at home.

"It was clear for everyone to see that we were the dominant team and creating more chances," said Barker. "In the end, it was the final delivery, the final execution and sort of final cleverness in the final third that mattered.

"They sat deep to maybe plan the transition or maybe try to win it with a set-piece play. There are ways to unlock defences that are sitting deep by using a little bit more smartness in terms of moving the ball.

"Ultimately it was our responsibility as a team with an extra player and being at home to make things happen.

"I don't think it was lack of effort because the effort was there. Maybe we just need to move the ball a bit quicker or stretch them a little bit more. They were very narrow and every time we tried to go down the middle, or tried to cross, they were dealing with it.

"The outcome of the match was a lesson learned of how to exploit playing against 10 men.

"If you look at the game, they probably had one shot on target which was a goal after a good strike by Sipho Mbule."

Sekhukhune retains their fourth place on the Premiership standings and has a crunch fixture at home against Soweto Derby kings Orlando Pirates on Wednesday.

Stellenbosch dropped down one place to sixth on the log and has a fixture against Kaizer Chiefs at Athlone Stadium on Friday evening.