One of the longest-serving players at Sekhukhune United, Vusimuzi Mncube, wants to repay the club’s unwavering trust in him by lifting at least one trophy in the 2026/27 season.
Sekhukhune started their new Betway Premiership campaign on a winning note on Saturday night, claiming a 1-0 victory over Durban City FC at Seshego Stadium. However, Mncube was a notable absentee from the matchday squad.
Mncube joined Babina Noko from the now-defunct JDR Stars ahead of their debut top-flight campaign in 2021. Over the past five seasons, the 32-year-old attacking midfielder has established himself as a cornerstone of the Limpopo outfit, clocking over 147 appearances and scoring 11 goals across all competitions.
With Sekhukhune entering a new chapter under former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze, expectations are high for the side to build on their fifth-place Betway Premiership finish last term.
MNCUBE TARGETING SILVERWARE WITH BABINA NOKO
However, Mncube believes it is high time the club translates its steady league consistency into tangible success.
The last time Sekhukhune came close to major domestic glory was in 2023, when they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.
“I have been at the club for a long time—I am probably the longest-serving player here,” Mncube exclusively told FARPost.
“So I need to repay the trust the team has had in me. By saying so, I need to win something. I need to help the team win a trophy this season. Going into the new campaign, I am looking to win more for the team and at least leave some silverware in the cabinet.”
MAFORI CUP SUCCESS SETS THE TONE
Sekhukhune’s quest for silverware got off to a perfect start after they were crowned champions of the inaugural Mafori Cup at Seshego Stadium last month.
Cedric Kaze’s side opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City FC in the semi-finals, courtesy of a strike from Bright Ndlovu. They then went on to secure the trophy and the R250,000 winner’s prize with another hard-fought 1-0 win against Magesi FC in the final, thanks to a decisive goal by Athenkosi Mcaba. Magesi had earned their spot in the final after edging Venda FC 1-0 in the second semi-final.
For Mncube, lifting the pre-season tournament title served as the ideal launching pad for what he hopes will be a historic, trophy-laden campaign for Babina Noko.
RELATED STORY: Vusimuzi Mncube opens up on the early days under new Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze
