Sekhukhune United returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership with a convincing 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the Limpopo Derby at Seshego Stadium on Saturday evening.

Babina Noko responded emphatically after their midweek defeat to Kaizer Chiefs. The result lifted Cedric Kaze’s side to third place in the league standings and they will next travel to face defending champions Orlando Pirates on August 25.

Polokwane, on the other hand, suffered their first league loss of the season and dropped to seventh. Rise and Shine will look to bounce back when they host newcomers Milford FC on August 26.

It took just eight minutes for Babina Noko to open the scoring in the Limpopo Derby through Tshepo Mokoena. The in-form winger netted his third goal of the season, giving Sekhukhune a 1-0 lead, with Givemore Khupe providing the assist.

The goal rattled Rise and Shine, who conceded another in the 20th minute. This time it was Ngoanamello Rammala who scored his second goal in three matches, with D’Angelo Shaheed Kazeem the provider, as Sekhukhune enjoyed a 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Polokwane pushed hard, searching for at least two goals to get back into the contest, with coach Bayano Moloto making several tactical changes to inject fresh energy into his side. Abraham Mashele and Bonginkosi Dlamini were introduced—the latter having scored against Mamelodi Sundowns on August 8.

However, Polokwane goalkeeper Ayanda Ngwenya was the only shot-stopper kept busy in the second half, producing two important saves as both teams continued to search for more goals. Despite Rise and Shine’s efforts, they could not break down Sekhukhune, who emerged as 2-0 winners.

Sekhukhune (2) 2 (Mokoena 8', Rammala 20')

Polokwane 0

SEKHUKHUNE: Buthelezi, Kazeem, Cardoso, Matsimbi, Mashiloane, Khupe (Tlaka 30'), Mkhize, Rammala (Malivha 78'), Mojela (Nkwana 85'), Mokoane, Ndlovu.

POLOKWANE: Ngwenya, Nkaki, Modise, Nikani (Mvundlela 78'), Manthosi (Mashele 46'), Maphangule, Kambala, Kopamotse (Mnguni 25'), Daniels (Dlamini 61'), Molokwane, Philander (Nkwe 25').