A collage of five players that have had their contracts extended with Babina Noko. Photo: Supplied

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Sekhukhune United has announced the contract extensions of five of its senior and key players for the upcoming of the Betway Premiership set to begin sometime in August.

A statement from the club, best known as ‘Babina Noko’ to avid fans, said the team considers the players as key to their campaign in the 2025/26 season.

Among those retained are hard running Linda Mntambo, who has been instrumental in the team’s success in the just completed 2024/25 season in which Babina Noko finished in a respectable fourth position in the league.

A midfield maestro, Mntambo started his football career at Jomo Cosmos way back in 2014 before moving to Chippa United in January 2016. He only lasted six months with the ‘Chillie Boys’ and in June of the same year, moved to Orlando Pirates but left the side in June 2022 for Sekhukhune United until present.

Other retained players include Chibuike Ohizu, a Nigerian born in Onitsha City and once played for Inter FC Enugu before moving to South Africa; former Kaizer Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso; Zimbabwean footballer Vusumuzi Ncube; and Democratic Republic of Congo defender Tresor Tshibwabwa, who has been with the club since 2022.

A statement from the club appraised the contract extensions for these players, describing them as ‘committed and with a fighting spirit’ that will allow them to continue their football career with the ‘Babina Noko’ family.

Some of the players shown the door because of the non-renewal of their contracts include Namibian international goalminder Lloyd Kazapua; left winger Kamogelo Sithole; and midfielder Miguel Antonio Dias.

Babina Noko also bad farewell to longstanding servant Pogiso Mahlangu. Photo: Supplied

Sipho Mbule’s loan tenure with Babina Noko came to an end and he has since joined Orlando Pirates after rumours earlier linked him with a move to Soweto arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Katlego Otladisa is another player whose loan term ended with Sekhukhune but is still yet to secure a team for the 2025/26 season.

Players that left Sekhukhune United on mutual separation are Democratic Republic of Congo right back defender Alves Ngakosso-Oko and former Moroka Swallows attacking midfielder Lindokuhle Mtshali, who started his career at Real Kings before being snapped by Babina Noko when Swallows eventually folded two seasons ago.

Another who has since left the club is Pogiso Mahlangu, whose reasons for the departure from Babina Noko are not clear. Mahlangu, described by the club as having ‘worn their colours with pride’, had been with the side since 1 July 2021.

The club noted his contribution, from fighting in the Nedbank Cup final, to helping the side reach the continental stage, described Pogiso as a hard worker whose always dedicated his time to the team. A club statement also thanked all the players mentioned above for their dedication and contribution to the club and wished them well for the future.

‘Mr Safe Hands’ Badra Ali Sangare is said to have made the club proud in African continent for his shot-stopping antics in continental duty. Photo: Supplied

Babina Noko also announced the departure of longstanding goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, who has been with the club since July 2022. Paying tribute to Sangare, a club statement said; “Your safe hands, big saves, and fearless heart made us proud every time you stepped on the pitch. It’s been an honour having you guard our posts.

“Our name echoed across the whole of Africa, when you collected your converted gold medal as an African champion. You will always be part of this family and wish you success in your next chapter,” the statement said.