Polokwane City FC suffered a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership clash at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Below are the talking points from this showdown between the two sides.
OSWIN APPOLIS RETURNS FROM SUSPENSION
The Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis returned to the starting line-up after missing their last game against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup Last 32. Appolis had accumulated more yellow cards before their game with the Natal Rich Boyz.
The 22-year-old has been phenomenal for the Rise and Shine, with his versatility coming in handy.
He has contributed five goals and three assists across all competitions.
TAPELO XOKI CONTINUES WITH FINE FORM FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
The Soweto giants defender, Xoki, is definitely having a good season in Bucs colours, producing stellar performances week in and week out. This is his second season at Pirates.
Xoki has scored important goals for Pirates in their previous games, including a brace against Crystal Lake in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 last week.
Overall, the ex-AmaZulu FC centre-back has scored five goals in all competitions this season.
EVIDENCE MAKGOPA SCORES FOR PIRATES
When we we thought the game would end in a draw, Evidence Makgopa broke the deadlock in the 68th minute of the showdown.
NDUMISO MABENA PLAYING AGAINST HIS FORMER SIDE
Veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena had the opportunity to play against his former side again since he left Pirates on 30 June 2023.
The highly-rated forward, Mabena, was a second-half substitute. He was expected to have a bigger role in this tie, as he has been on fine form since joining the Rise and Shine. Unfortunately, he did not do exactly what was expected of him as they lost to Pirates.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This was Pirates’ first visit to face Polokwane City since January 2021, when the Sea Robbers thrashed Rise and Shine 4-1.
Both teams have locked horns once since the return of Polokwane City in the SA’s elite league, playing out to a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium earlier this campaign.
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