Tshegofatso Mabasa strike secures vital away win for Stellenbosch FC over Sekhukhune United

Tshegofatso Mabasa announced his arrival at Stellenbosch FC with a debut goal to help haul the Cape Winelands club out of the relegation zone, as they secured a 1–0 victory over Sekhukhune United in their opening Betway Premiership match of the year.

Signed on loan from Orlando Pirates just three days ago, the former Premiership Golden Boot winner proved he still possesses a clinical edge. Just after the half-hour mark at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night, Mabasa converted a well-weighted tee-up from Devin Titus to break the deadlock. Although the ball took a significant deflection off Daniel Cardoso, Mabasa was credited with the goal as his initial strike was goal-bound.

While the limelight naturally fell on the goal-scorer, the reality of Stellies' ascent above Orbit College into 13th spot was rooted in the heroics of Sage Stephens. The goalkeeper produced a man-of-the-match performance, pulling off a string of saves that prevented Sekhukhune from snatching a point.

Stephens’ intent was clear as early as the sixth minute, when he won a crucial one-on-one battle with the dangerous Bradley Grobler. Shortly after Mabasa’s opener, Stephens ensured the lead remained intact by keeping out Shaune Mogaila’s header.

Sekhukhune dominated large periods of the match, leaving Renaldo Leaner with little to do other than a single first-half save to deny Langelihle Phili. The visitors could have doubled their lead earlier had Devin Titus not fired wide from inside the box in the 24th minute.

Stephens returned to the fore on the stroke of half-time, parrying Vuyo Letlapa’s effort from the edge of the area. He was also called into action in the 83rd minute, acrobatically tipping a long-range effort over the bar. However, his most vital intervention came in the 96th minute, as Sekhukhune piled on frantic injury-time pressure.

Even when Stephens was caught in "no man’s land" in the 74th minute, his teammates stepped up; Athenkosi Mcaba produced a spectacular diving header to clear the ball off the line. It was a dogged defensive display, but in the world of the "beautiful game," it is Mabasa’s dream debut that will dominate the headlines.