With the Betway Premiership back once more, Stellenbosch kickstarted their 2025/26 campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.

Following a lengthy international break, Sekhukhune and Stellies shrugged off the cobwebs in Limpopo while Tshegofatso Mabasa impressed in new colours by netting the all-important winner for his side.

Sekhukhune commenced the game on the front foot and recorded their first attempt at goal in the second minute following Tidiane Diomande’s left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard-area.

Babina Noko continued to see most of the ball during the first quarter but often fell short at the final hurdle. Stellenbosch came close to taking the lead in the 19th minute after Renaldo Leaner saved Langelihle Phili’s shot from the centre of the box.

Stellies grew into the game as the half-hour mark approached, as seen with scoring opportunities by Phili and Enyinnaya Godswill, only to be denied by the Babina Noko goalkeeper. With Sekhukhune facing adversity, Stellenbosch opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through debutant Tshegofatso Mabasa.

After passing their way through the Sekhukhune backline, Mabasa let off a shot inside the area that deflected off Daniel Cardoso en-route to crossing the white line.

Sekhukhune continued to boss the possession count leading up to the hour-mark as they pushed hard to level matters on home soil.

It was much of the same for Sekhukhune as the clock ticked down at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Stellenbosch kicked into game-management mode in defending off their lead.

With six minutes added on after 90 minutes, Sekhukhune were unable to make the most of their forward advancements as Stellenbosch held on to collect maximum points on away soil.

Sekhukhune United: 0

Stellenbosch FC: (1) 1 (Mabasa 33’)

Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Letlapa, Cardoso, Ndlovu, Diomande (Rammala 46’), Malivha (Phiri 68’), Monare, Mogaila (Mokoane 80’), Makgalwa (Mojela 68’), Grobler (Boyeli 68’), Mncube

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Godswill, Mcaba, Stanic, Mdaka, Mthiyane, Titus (Barns 85’), Mabasa (Cupido 70’), Jabaar, Jooste (Nkwali 85’), Phili (Mokobodi 62’)