Mabena fires Polokwane past Chippa

Polokwane City emerged as 1-0 winners over Chippa United in a DStv Premiership match played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, Rise and Shine climbed up to the ninth spot in the league standings and the Limpopo-based side will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they travel to Durban to take on AmaZulu FC on 2 April.

The Chilli Boys, on the other hand, remained 13th in the league standings and the Eastern Cape-based outfit will be desperate for maximum points when play host to a relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs side on 3 April,

It took just five minutes for Rise and Shine to break the deadlock after the Chilli Boys were caught napping at the back. Ndumiso Mabena was the man who handed Polokwane a 1-0 lead when the veteran forward hit the back of the net with a decent finish.

The hosts did not sit back after taking an early lead as they continued to launch attacks. Douglas Mapfumo had a chance to double Rise and Shine's lead in the 39th minute, but he was denied by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the score was 1-0 to Polokwane at halftime.

Having scored Chippa's winning goal against Ravens in the Nedbank Cup a few weeks ago, Andile Mbenyane was introduced by co-coaches Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo prior to the start of the second-half as the Chilli Boys looked to level matters.

Chippa pushed forward in numbers with attackers Craig Martin and Mbenyane all keen to grab a late goal. However, the hosts stood firm at the back, and ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 victory for Polokwane who defended very well in the second-half.

Polokwane (1) 1 (Mabena 5')

Chippa 0

Polokwane: Sapunga, Ndlovu, Nikani, Nana (Appollis 46'), Alexander (Mashikinya 38'), Kambala, Matuludi, Nkaki, Mabena, Mapfumo, Ramabu.

Chippa: Nwabali, Chabalala, Kammies, Modise, Majogoro (Mosele 46'), Kwayiba, Makhele, Martin, Mahlatsi, Poggenpoel (Mbenyane 46'), Eva Nga.