Staff Reporter.
Polokwane City secured a 3-1 victory against Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Lebohang Nkaki had a hand in all three goals, scoring either side of the interval and providing an assist for Mokibelo Ramabu as Rise And Shine moved level with Sekhukhune United (5th) on 34 points in sixth position.
Justice Figuareido briefly brought the Natal Rich Boyz back on level terms in the 52nd minute, but they remain in 12th place after losing for the second time in three games.
Phuti Mohafe’s side were desperate to snap a seven-match winless run which had seen them drop out of CAF contention, while the KZN outfit looked to build on their second victory in three games, having beaten Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 most recently.
The ball possession was fairly even in the first half, although the hosts made much better use of it as they created four chances and took the lead on 21 minutes.
Oswin Appollis, who has struggled to reproduce his fine form from last season, registered his first assist with a cross that was headed home by Nkaki.
Papi Zothwane made a change before halftime, bringing on Thato Mohlamme for Fezile Gcaba at right-back in the 41st minute and Richards Bay headed into the break trailing 1-0.
Zothwane’s halftime talk appeared to have the desired outcome after Figuareido equalised just seven minutes into the second half, but parity lasted a mere six minutes.
Nkaki was having an outstanding game and he turned provider on this occasion to set up Ramabu for his third goal of the league campaign.
The visitors’ afternoon got even worse on 71 minutes when they conceded a penalty and it was that man Nkaki who stepped up to convert from 12 yards out to give Rise And Shine a two-goal cushion.
Zothwane’s side had opportunities to score more goals, but Brian Bwire stood firm to deny them a way back into the contest, making two saves to preserve his team’s lead.
Meanwhile Marumo Gallants boosted their chances of survival as they shocked TS Galaxy 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday evening.
Eslewhere SuperSport United and Cape Town City’s new coaches failed to hit the ground running after holding each other to a draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday night.
Betway Premiership Results
Golden Arrows 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Chippa United 2-1 Amazulu
Magesi FC 1-0 Stellenbosch FC.