Vuyo Letlapa’s birthday rocket sends Sekhukhune United into Nedbank Cup quarter-finals

Sekhukhune United booked their place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over University of Pretoria at Tuks Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Babina Noko joined the likes of AmaZulu, Durban City and Golden Arrows in the last eight, but they were made to work for their progress by a spirited lower-division opponent that refused to be overawed by the occasion.

With giant-killings dominating headlines the previous day — including shock exits for Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns — the pressure was firmly on Sekhukhune to avoid becoming the next high-profile casualty.

Head coach Eric Tinkler had warned against complacency in the build-up and his team approached the contest with caution, even as they dominated possession in a cagey opening half that offered few clear chances.

Bradley Grobler returned to the bench, with Bradley Mojela tasked with leading the line, supported by the creativity of Lesiba Nku. 

Across the pitch, Tuks leaned on their top-flight experience while pinning hopes on 22-year-old Aphelele Teto to spark something special.

The opening stanza was defined more by physical duels than goalmouth action, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested. 

Sekhukhune midfielder Vusumuzi Ncube drew laughs — and whistles — after a rugby-style tackle on Teto halted a dangerous counterattack midway through the half.

With the score goalless at the break, Tinkler moved decisively. 

Tshepo Mokoane and assist-specialist Keletso Makgalwa were introduced to inject urgency and attacking clarity into Babina Noko’s play.

The breakthrough arrived ten minutes after the restart, and it came from an unexpected source. 

Left-back Vuyo Letlapa stepped onto a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a thunderous strike that flew past the helpless goalkeeper for his first-ever goal for the club.

Letlapa celebrated by gesturing toward the stands and wishing his mother a happy birthday — a moment of personal joy on a day that could have gone very differently.

Sekhukhune briefly dropped deeper after taking the lead and were nearly punished in the 57th minute, when Tuks carved out their best chance of the match. 

Toaster Nsabata, largely a spectator until then, produced a superb point-blank save to deny Akhanyile Norawana and preserve the advantage.

The final stages were tense but controlled, as Sekhukhune leaned on experience to see the match through and avoid a late sting.

Elsewhere in the Nedbank Cup, Milford FC defeated Mkhambathini 3–0 in an all-KZN clash, while Jacksa Spears edged Vasco da Gama 1–0 at the Mxolisi Dicksy Jacobs Stadium.

For Sekhukhune, the job is done — and the dream of silverware remains firmly alive.