Sekhukhune United head coach Papi Zothwane has set a clear target for his team in the Carling Knockout Cup. He says the competition gives Babina Noko a real chance to win silverware this season.

“It’s nice to win a cup, so as a team we have an ambition to win a trophy and Black Label gives us an opportunity to do that,” Zothwane said ahead of their Last 16 match against Richards Bay.

Zothwane is drawing on experience from his time at Magesi FC. In 2024 he was part of the technical team that shocked Mamelodi Sundowns in the final to lift the Carling Knockout trophy. That win remains one of the biggest upsets in South African cup football. He wants his current players to feel the same belief.

“From my experience, it has to rub off on the team, the players, share the memories, and the feeling of going to a final and even winning it, against one of the biggest teams in Africa – so I will definitely push my team to see the possibility of going to the final,” he explained.

The Limpopo side host Richards Bay at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, 25 October, with kick-off at 18:00. Sekhukhune secured home advantage, which Zothwane sees as important after a busy travel schedule this season. The two clubs met recently in the Betway Premiership, where Sekhukhune won 3-2 in a dramatic game.

Zothwane knows Richards Bay well. He previously worked at the KwaZulu-Natal club before joining Sekhukhune. He warned that the visitors will be a tough test, especially under new Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev, whose philosophy could bring a different approach from what fans have seen in the league.

“We will approach this fixture with caution and respect of the opposition we’re playing against, and we hope to go to the next round,” Zothwane added. “But it goes by winning one game at a time.”

For Sekhukhune, a win on Sunday would move them into the quarter-finals and keep their trophy dreams alive. Zothwane believes the lessons from Magesi’s success can help Babina Noko go far in a competition that rewards the right attitude and focus. Fans at Peter Mokaba will hope the coach’s experience helps the team take the next step towards lifting the Black Label trophy.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113987627833528758