Marumo Gallants cleared a tricky first hurdle in the Carling Knockout after they battled back from behind to beat Polokwane City 3-2 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 19 October.
Dan Malesela's side fell behind twice inside the opening half hour, but they hit back each time before scoring what turned out to be the winner on 40 minutes.
Rise And Shine had reached the quarterfinals in 2023 and they got their 2024 challenge off to a flying start when Stevens Goovadia set up Hlayisi Chauke to open the scoring after just nine minutes.
Gallants wasted little time in finding a reply though, as Siyabulela Shai equalised on 19 minutes with Edgar Manaka providing the assist.
However, the hosts were presented with a golden opportunity to restore their lead 10 minutes later after being awarded a penalty and Puleng Marema held his nerve to beat Washington Arubi from 12 yards out.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa responded again and this time it took them only five minutes as Monde Mphambaniso slotted home to make it 2-2. The second goal galvanised the visitors and they struck again five minutes before halftime.
Shai and Manaka were involved once more, with their roles being reversed after the former turned provider to create the chance for the latter, who completed the comeback.
Fans hoping to see more goals in the second half were disappointed as Gallants defended resolutely to hold on for a morale-boosting victory to march on in the cup competition.
Polokwane City (2) 2 (Chauke 9', Marema 29' PEN)
Marumo Gallants (3) 3 (Shai 19', Mphambaniso 34', Manaka 40')
Polokwane City: B. Bwire, T. Matuludi, B. Nikani, L. Nkaki, T. Nkwe, M. Kambala, C. Alexander (S. Seabi 25'), S. Goovadia (R. Daniels 46'), P. Marema (B. Dlamini 46'), O. Appollis (L. Ntamane 90+3'), H. Chauke (S. Tshabalala 90+3').
Marumo Gallants: W. Arubi, E. Khumalo, M. Rikhotso, S. Sikhosana, L. Mabotja, S. Sithole (X. Mlambo 90+3'), E. Manaka, T. Dhludhlu (M. Chabatsane 78'), M. Mphambaniso (T. Mokobodi 74'), D. Msendami, S. Shai (G. Mhango 79').