Polokwane edge Leopards in Limpopo Derby

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Aug 04, 2019. 17:08

Polokwane City beat Black Leopards 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Rise and Shine contained Lidoda Duvha in the early exchanges of the Limpopo Derby encounter.

Speedy attacker Thuso Phala, who joined Leopards as a free agent after leaving SuperSport United, was looking to use his pace to unlock the Polokwane defence.

However, the Polokwane backline which was led by experienced central defender Sibusiso Mbonani was solid and organized.

The visitors upped the tempo with the half-time break approaching and they managed to grab a goal on the stroke of half-time.

Mbonani was the man, who broke the deadlock to make it 1-0 to Polokwane – stunning the home crowd into silence.

The score was 1-0 to Polokwane during the half-time break.

The hosts pushed for the equalizing goal after the start with Tshwarelo Bereng working hard in midfield looking to create chances for Leopards.

Attacker Mogakolodi Ngele was introduced by new Leopards coach Lionel Soccoia in the 72nd minute as the hosts looked to restore parity.

Zlatko Krmpotic, the new Polokwane coach, responded by introducing midfielder Wiseman Maluleke as the visitors strengthened the midfield.

Leopards launched late attacks in the latter stages of the encounter in search of a late equalizing goal, but they could not beat George Chigova in the Polokwane goal-posts.

Polokwane stood firm at the back and ultimately, they emerged 1-0 winners over Leopards on the day.

Leopards (0) 0

Polokwane (1) 1 (Mbonani 44′)

Leopards: Mendes, Matlaba, Katjiukua, Masia, S Zulu, P.Zulu (Hlongwane 59′), Phala (Mhlongo 67′), Mokoena, Bereng (Ngele 72′), Kapinga, T.Ndlovu.

Polokwane: Chigova, Hlongwane, Mbonani, Motloung, Mvelase, Mngomezulu (Nku 80′), Manaka, J.Maluleke, Nene, Hlubi (W.Maluleke 87′), Mashumba.