Justin Shonga Sekhukhune United

Zambian former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga is reportedly living on borrowed time at Sekhukhune United. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Ex-Orlando Pirates star takes just 136 SECONDS to score on Sekhukhune United debut!

Former Orlando Pirates star Justin Shonga took less than three minutes to score on his Sekhukhune United debut!

Justin Shonga Sekhukhune United

Zambian former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga is reportedly living on borrowed time at Sekhukhune United. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Justin Shonga has had his struggles in recent times, so to score as early as the THIRD minute on his Sekhukhune United debut on Sunday was no doubt a major boost for the Zambian striker.

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Shonga scored the opener in Sekhukhune United’s 4-0 home thumping of Baroka FC in the DStv Premiership this weekend when he turned in Yusuf Maart’s low cross for his first goal since November 2020.

That last goal came for TTM, and since then the 25-year-old former Orlando Prates striker has also played for Cape Town City FC and Egyptian side Ismaily – with limited success.

Shonga played 77 matches for Orlando Pirates scoring 16 goals, and 13 matches for Cape Town City and seven for TTM (now Marumo Gallants).

Sekhukhune United favourites for a Top 8 finish

Sekhukhune United’s other goals courtesy of a brace from Chibuike Ohizu (24th and 68th minutes) and an 80th-minute goal by Vusumzi Mncube.

Shonga said he hopes his career continues on its upward trajectory since his January arrival at Sekhukhune United.

“It’s a nice feeling and a good start for me, because football-wise I have been struggling to settle at teams,” Shonga says.

“I just want to keep the momentum, because when you are playing for a new club, you need to adapt to the way they play and work extra hard to get into the starting XI.

“I am going to push harder, I am happy with the start, but I must keep going.”

Thanks to the win, Sekhukhune United moved up to sixth place in the DStv Premiership standings with 28 points after 19 matches.

They have matches in hand over a number of the teams ahead of them in the log, making a top-eight MTN8 spot a distinct possibility.

Sekhukhune United face another struggling side, Swallows, in their next assignment at home on Saturday, 26 February at 17:30.

Baroka FC, meanwhile, are rooted to the bottom of the standings and face a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

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