Polokwane City Defeats Magesi FC in Limpopo Derby

Polokwane City continued their impressive start to the Betway Premiership season with a 2-0 victory against Magesi FC in the Limpopo derby, held on Saturday afternoon at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

Oswin Appollis, who had missed Polokwane City’s opening 2-1 win over AmaZulu following the closure of the transfer window, made a return to the line-up. Meanwhile, Magesi FC made changes after their opening defeat to Sekhukhune United, dropping former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kgaogelo Sekgota and Rulani Manzini, and bringing in Maloisane Mokhele and Wonderboy Makhubu.

Polokwane City, known as Rise and Shine, commanded an aggressive start, creating several chances primarily through headers. However, their initial attempts, including those from Lebohang Nkaki and Thabang Matuludi, narrowly missed the target.

The deadlock was broken by Puleng Marema, who scored for Polokwane in the 30th minute by capitalizing on a rebound after Appollis’ shot was blocked by Magesi’s goalkeeper, Bongani Mpandle. Marema nearly extended the lead just before the halftime whistle, but Mpandle thwarted his effort.

After the break, Magesi sought to shift momentum and mounted an offensive strategy. However, Polokwane managed to suppress their efforts in the early stages of the second half. On the hour mark, Magesi made an attacking substitution, bringing on Kgaogelo Sekgota in place of Mokhele, a move that began to enhance their rhythm.

Chelsea’s manager Clinton Larsen‘s side came close to an equalizer when Wonderboy Makhubu’s header was brilliantly saved by Polokwane’s goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga. As Magesi committed more players forward, Polokwane capitalized, with Sibusiso Tshabalala securing the second goal in the 70th minute.

Magesi’s final attempts to decrease the deficit included bringing on Rulani Manzini, who almost scored but was once again denied by Sapunga. With this victory, Polokwane City maintained a flawless start to the season, amassing six points from their first two matches.

The confirmed lineup for Magesi included Mpandle, Mashigo, L. Mokone, Abrahams, J. Mokone, Matima, Mekoa, Mokhele, Kakora, Ngwadla, and Makhubu. Polokwane City’s lineup featured Sapunga, Matuludi, Nkani, Nkaki, Nkwe, Kambala, Alexander, Daniels, Appollis, Marema, and Chauke.