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 an 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.