Sekhukhune United edged past Durban City 1:0 in their Premier League opening fixture on Friday evening. The home side took all three points thanks to a single goal, and held firm against a side that controlled much of the ball. B. Ndlovu was the difference maker, finding the net in the 27th minute before his side saw it out despite sustained pressure.
The visitors came out attacking, and their approach paid dividends in possession terms. But Sekhukhune dug in, and when T. Nodada came off at half-time for Durban City, the momentum shifted. A yellow card for T. Matsimbi in the 47th minute added to the tension, while B. Ndlovu himself was cautioned after 64 minutes. S. Maseko and L. B. Mojela came on for the hosts, and J. M. Mokone joined the fray for the visitors in the 79th minute.
The statistics tell a familiar story. Durban City had 62 per cent possession and 125 attacks compared to Sekhukhune's 100, yet the home side registered four shots on target to three. Both keepers made three saves each. Sekhukhune won 39 aerial duels level with the visitors, but their defensive work — 38 clearances against 10 — kept the scoreline honest. G. Khupe picked up a yellow card in the 77th minute as the match tightened.
The result moves Sekhukhune United up to sixth place with nine points from seven games, while Durban City remain seventh with six points from six. The hosts are unbeaten in five, though this victory extends that run to six. Durban City's draw-heavy start means they're still searching for their first win of the campaign.