Polokwane City got their continental challenge back on track after beating Richards Bay 3-1 in a Betway Premiership clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
Lebohang Nkaki had a hand in all three goals, scoring either side of the interval and providing an assist for Mokibelo Ramabu as Rise And Shine moved level with Sekhukhune United (5th) on 34 points in sixth position.
Justice Figuareido briefly brought the Natal Rich Boyz back on level terms in the 52nd minute, but they remain in 12th place after losing for the second time in three games.
Polokwane City cement their place in the top eight with a huge win at home ⚽☀️#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/3cm4rHdOI3
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 30, 2025
Phuti Mohafe's side were desperate to snap a seven-match winless run which had seen them drop out of CAF contention, while the KZN outfit looked to build on their second victory in three games, having beaten Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 most recently.
The ball possession was fairly even in the first half, although the hosts made much better use of it as they created four chances and took the lead on 21 minutes.
Oswin Appollis, who has struggled to reproduce his fine form from last season, registered his first assist with a cross that was headed home by Nkaki.
Papi Zothwane made a change before halftime, bringing on Thato Mohlamme for Fezile Gcaba at right-back in the 41st minute and Richards Bay headed into the break trailing 1-0.
Zothwane's halftime talk appeared to have the desired outcome after Figuareido equalised just seven minutes into the second half, but parity lasted a mere six minutes.
Nkaki was having an outstanding game and he turned provider on this occasion to set up Ramabu for his third goal of the league campaign.
The visitors' afternoon got even worse on 71 minutes when they conceded a penalty and it was that man Nkaki who stepped up to convert from 12 yards out to give Rise And Shine a two-goal cushion.
Zothwane's side had opportunities to score more goals, but Brian Bwire stood firm to deny them a way back into the contest, making two saves to preserve his team's lead.
Polokwane City (1) 3 (Nkaki 21', 71' PEN, Ramabu 58')
Richards Bay (0) 1 (Figuareido 52')
Polokwane City: B. Bwire, S. Makhubela, F. Baloyi, L. Nkaki, L. Ndlovu, M. Kambala, N. Maphangule (C. Alexander 46'), M. Ramabu, N. Raphadu (T. Letshedi 51'), O. Appollis (K. Ramushu 82'), B. Dlamini (S. Goovadia 90').
Richards Bay: S. Magoola, F. Gcaba (T. Mohlamme 41'), K. Allan, T. Mabua, N. Ndaba, J. Figuareido (T. Kutumela 85'), M. Mthembu, T. Mthethwa, L. Mhlongo (M. Macuphu 85'), T. Gumede, Y. Mbuthuma.