Jabulani Maluleke, Thabiso Semenya, Sibusiso Mbonani and Vusi Mngomezulu’s goals gave Polokwane City a 4-2 win over Cape Town City as they wrapped their 2016/17 Absa Premiership campaign at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In the wake of the win, the hosts now sit at number six with 43 points from 30 league as they qualify for the MTN8 for the first time in their history.
On the other hand, Aubrey Ngoma and Lehlohonolo Majoro’s goals were not enough for the Mother City side to claim the full three points.
The visiting Citizens had a bright start as they put their hosts under pressure from the first whistle.
Ngoma netted for the Telkom Knockout champions from a well-struck set piece in the first minute to beat goalkeeper George Chigova.
Five minutes later, Majoro doubled their led when he finished a beautiful assist from his skipper Lebogang Manyama.
With the hosts trying to dominate the proceedings, they pushed defender Robyn Johannes to commit a foul and skipper Jabulani Maluleke scored from a fine set piece in the 18th minute.
The 37th minute saw Chigova called to produce a fine save as he parried the ball away from danger to deny Ngoma from claiming his brace.
But with five minutes to go to half time, Semenya made it 2-2 for the hosts as he finished off Sipho Jembula’s delivery. It was 2-2 at he interval.
However, Bernard Molekwa’s men bounced back with more hunger as they claimed a lead through Mbonani, who converted from Maluleke’s corner kick in the 50th minute.
In the 71st minute, Mngomezulu proved to be a super sub when he made it 4-2 for Rise and Shine as they dominated the proceedings.
The loss for Eric Tinkler’s troops leaves them occupying the third spot with 55 points as they reach the CAF Confederation Cup for 2018.
Polokwane City (2) 4 (Maluleke 18′, Semenya 40′,Mbonani 50′, Mngomezulu 71′)
Cape Town City (2) 2 (Ngoma 1′, Majoro 6′)
