New Babina Noko mentor targets first victory against Stellenbosch
Papi Zothwane will be looking for his first victory as Sekhukhune United head coach when Babina Noko travel to Cape Town to face Stellenbosch FC in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter on Friday night.
Zothwane was handed the responsibility of steering the Limpopo outfit after the club parted ways with Burundian coach Cedric Kaze following a disappointing start to the campaign.
Kaze’s tenure came to an end after only seven matches, during which Sekhukhune recorded three victories and four defeats. His departure also followed the club’s heavy 4-0 aggregate defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-finals.
Zothwane, who was appointed at the beginning of September, immediately faced the difficult task of stabilising a team that had suffered a series of setbacks.
His first assignment came against TS Galaxy in the league, and although he could not deliver a victory, the former professional midfielder helped the side to a goalless draw.
The 0-0 result was significant because Sekhukhune kept a clean sheet in Zothwane’s first match in charge, giving the new coach a platform on which to build.
The former South African international is now hoping to turn that defensive improvement into three points when Sekhukhune meet Stellenbosch.
The match will also give Zothwane an opportunity to begin putting his own stamp on the team as he attempts to revive the club’s fortunes in the Premiership.
Sekhukhune currently have seven points from five league matches, according to the latest available standings, putting added importance on Friday’s encounter as the season begins to take shape.
The challenge, however, will be significant.
Stellenbosch will have home advantage when the two sides meet at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. The match is scheduled for Friday, September 11, at 7.30pm.
For Zothwane, the mission is clear: build on the clean sheet against TS Galaxy and produce the victory that would give his new reign at Sekhukhune United a major boost.
A win in Cape Town would not only strengthen Babina Noko’s position on the league table but could also provide Zothwane with the early momentum he needs to convince the club that he is the right man to lead them forward.
The Stellenbosch match therefore represents more than another league fixture for the new Sekhukhune mentor. It is his first major opportunity to turn promise into points and begin writing his own chapter at Babina Noko.