Sebone strike wins it for Rise And Shine

Keorapetse Sebona © Gallo Images

Polokwane City got their season up and running with a narrow 1-0 victory over Siwelele at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Tuesday night

Phuti Mohafe's side had only picked up one point from their opening two matches and their maiden win of 2025-26 took them up to sixth placed, one point ahead of Siwelele, who dropped to ninth in the table.

Siwelele were looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Betway Premiership newcomers Orbit College on 12 August, while Rise And Shine remained winless this season after also going down 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs 24 hours later.

Lehlohonolo Seema's side had a large chunk of the possession in the first half, but it was the Limpopo outfit who made better use of the ball and had nine attempts at goal.

The hosts made a promising start, only to go behind against the run of play on 18 minutes when Banele Mnguni played in Keorapetse Sebone, who slotted past Ricardo Goss to cap off a swift counter-attack.

Polokwane threatened to double their advantage on 36 minutes with a long-range effort from Manuel Kambala that forced Goss into an acrobatic save to ensure it remained 1-0 at the break.

Wayde Lakay nearly restored parity in the 65th minute as he glanced a header just over the crossbar from a free-kick, but Rise And Shine continued to create more of the chances in the second half.

The visitors went close again in the closing stages through Sibusiso Tshabalala, who drew another fine save out of Goss on 81 minutes.

In the end the solitary goal from Sebone was enough as Polokwane registered their first win of the season, with Siwelele suffering their second defeat in as many games.

Siwelele 0

Polokwane City (1) 1 (Sebone 18')

Siwelele: R. Goss, N. Mobbie (Ciro 84'), T. Makhele, S. Dembele, N. Rapoo, R. Mokhuoane, G. Moralo (K. Ayer 46'), C. Saile (W. Lakay 46'), V. Pule, G. Lungu, S. Magidigidi.

Polokwane City: B. Bwire, S. Manthosi, M. Mvundlela, L. Nkaki, S. Motsa, M. Kambala, K. Sebone (M. Ramabu 59'), S. Keep, B. Mnguni (N Maphangule 61'), B. Dlamini, S. Tshabalala (B. Nikani 85').

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