Absa Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch 1-0 Polokwane City
Date: 24 January 2020
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Stellenbosch continued their climb up the Absa Premiership table after claiming a third successive victory on Saturday afternoon.
Stellies boss Steve Barker named an unchanged side while Polokwane made two changes, as Mohammed Anas and Edgar Manaka came to the fore.
The Western Cape side were in high spirits after clinching back-to-back wins over Highlands Park and Baroka while Rise and Shine were winless in their last three outings after being held by Golden Arrows the last time out.
The sides could not carve out clear openings in the early exchanges and the first real opportunity fell to City in the 28th minute after Kabelo Mahlasela sent Manaka through on goal but Stellies shot-stopper Lee Langerveldt came out to avert danger.
The game came to life after that, as Marc Van Heerden nearly broke the deadlock five minutes later with a long range strike that was tippped over the bar by Rise and Shine goalkeeper George Chigova.
The hosts eventually found the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Ovidy Karuru, who tapped home from close range after Chigova parried Iqraam Rayners' cross into the winger's path.
The match opened up in the early exchanges of the second stanza and Stellies had a chance to double their lead on the hour-mark after Nyiko Mobbie picked out Wassem Isaacs, who chipped his effort over the bar.
Clinton Larsen needed firepower upfront with 20 minutes remaining as he brought on striker Charlton Mashumba for Manaka while five minutes later Barker introduced Jarrod Moroole for Isaacs.
Mashumba almost made an instant impact minutes after coming on as he brought Stellies goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt to action on two occassions but the shot-stopper was on top of his game as he denied City the equaliser.
In the end, Barker's troops were able to hold on for another three-point haul to up to eighth spot.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: 35. Langeveldt, 42. Mobbie, 13. Van Heerden, 5. Mthethwa, 16. Johannes, 12. Scott, 8. Matsi, 29. Moon, 17. Karuru, 10. Rayners, 21. Isaacs.
Subs: 31. De Jong, 18. Skelem, 7. Van Rooyen, 7. Moroole, 3. Ndlovu, 20. Robertson, 15. Bergman.
Polokwane: 1. Chigova, 2. Mvelase, 24. Hlongwane, 23. Hlatshwaup 28. Nthatheni, 6. Chauke, 15. Musona, 20. Phiri, 3. Anas, 14. Manaka, 13. Mahlahsela.
Subs: 50. Phali, 18. Maluleke, 26. Nkili, 10. Tlolane, 4. Nene, 8. J.Maluleke, 9. Mashumba.
