Polokwane City seek to spoil new Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela’s debut

Polokwane City will resume their Betway Premiership campaign this weekend, eager to maintain their upward momentum when they travel to Durban to face a rejuvenated Durban City side at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

Under the guidance of Phuti Mohafe, Rise and Shine have quietly put together a solid season and currently sit seventh in the standings with 23 points. While they have often operated away from the spotlight, their consistency has ensured they remain firmly in the top-half conversation as the league edges towards its decisive phase.

Polokwane City return to action on the back of encouraging form. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat, scoring eleven goals while conceding just eight. Those numbers underline a side that has found the right balance between attacking intent and defensive responsibility.

Their most recent outing provided further evidence of their resilience, with Mohafe’s charges claiming a valuable away victory over Stellenbosch FC before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break. That result reinforced their reputation as a team capable of grinding out points on the road, even if their overall away record — three wins, one draw and three defeats — suggests occasional inconsistency.

Mohafe’s tactical approach has remained largely unchanged. Polokwane City prioritise structure, discipline and compactness, often frustrating opponents before capitalising on moments of transition. Their defensive organisation has been central to their campaign and will again be crucial against a Durban City outfit seeking to rediscover its attacking rhythm.

The hosts head into the encounter under new leadership following the appointment of Sinethemba Badela as head coach. While Durban City have endured an uneven season, the change in the technical area could provide a fresh spark, with players keen to impress under a new regime. Polokwane will be mindful of the unpredictability that often accompanies such transitions.

The two sides are familiar foes, having played out a goalless draw in their most recent meeting. That stalemate highlighted how evenly matched they can be, with fine margins likely to separate them once again. However, the added dimension of a new coach and home support at Chatsworth Stadium could push the contest in a different direction.

For Polokwane City, the trip to Durban represents an opportunity to assert their credentials. A positive result would not only consolidate their position in seventh but also keep them within touching distance of the teams above them. As the Betway Premiership resumes, Rise and Shine will be keen to ensure their steady foundation translates into sustained progress and a strong second half of the campaign.