Result: Polokwane City 0-1 Maritzburg United
Teams: 08 December 2019
Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium
Polokwane City have now suffered nine straight defeats in all competitions following a 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United on Sunday afternoon.
Rise and Shine made three changes from the team that narrowly lost to Bloemfontein Celtic, as experienced goalkeeper George Chigova returned in goal, while Mpho Mvelase and Bongile Booi tagged along in the starting team.
On the other side, the Team of Choice opted for four changes from their draw with AmaZulu, as shot-stopper Bongani Mpandle stepped in for the suspended Richard Ofori, while Thabiso Kutumela, Micah Lea'alafa and Yusuf Jappie all staked a claim in the line-up.
United needed to get over their four-game winless run in the league, with the players having the opportunity to impress coach Eric Tinkler ahead of the Telkom Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns next weekend.
The sides were eager to draw first blood in the half that had chances but Mpandle was the busiest of the two goalkeepers and despite lack of match fitness, he held his own as the first stanza ended without goals.
Maritzburg finally found the finishing touches coming from the break, as Jappie made got the opening goal just before the hour-mark with a curling free-kick that found the top corner, leaving George Chigova with no chance.
Rise and Shine were in need of inspiration in the closing phase, as they brought on Vusimuzi Mngomezulu in place of Booi with 12 minutes remaining, while United kept their foot on the gas as Bandile Shandu replaced Lea'alafa three minutes later.
Judas Moseamedi had a glorious chance to wrap up the game for the Team of Choice in the last four minutes after Pogiso Sanoka whipped in a good delivery but the burly forward guided his free header over the bar.
Polokwane had a strong penalty claim in stoppage time after Rushine De Reuck appeared to have handled the ball while on the ground but the referee was not persuaded, as the visitors held on for three points to move into the top eight.
Polokwane: 1. Chigova, 2. Mvelase, 24. Hlongwane, 28. Nthatheni, 27. Motloung, 4. Nene, 7. Booi, 20. Phiri, 9. Mashumba, 8 J. Maluleke, 11. Hlubi.
Subs: 50. Phali, 3. Anas, 5. Sikhondze, 32. Buthelezi, 16. Mngomezulu, 6. Chauke, 14. Manaka.
Maritzburg: 30. Mpandle, 19. Jappie, 36. Kunene, 3. Sanoka, 23. De Reuck, 4. Allie, 8. Buchanan, 7. Kutumela, 15. Timm, 13. Lea'alafa, 19. Moseamedi.
Subs: Barr, 45. Mngonyama, 26. Shandu, 11. Brockie, 5. Morgan, 17. Augusto, 14. Claasen.
