Polokwane City head coach Willy Moloto has resigned just a day after returning to training following a lengthy absence due to health complications, FARPost has established.
Moloto had been sidelined since September after suffering a health scare during a Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 19 September 2026.
During the match, which Rise and Shine lost 1-0, a member of the club’s technical team assisted Moloto to the dressing room while play continued.
He reportedly collapsed shortly afterwards and was rushed to hospital, where he spent a week receiving treatment at a private facility in Polokwane.
The former University of Pretoria coach subsequently remained away from his duties as he continued his recovery, missing the club’s last three matches across the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout Cup.
MOLOTO RESIGNS A DAY AFTER RETURNING TO TRAINING
In a surprising turn of events, Moloto returned to training on Monday, 2 November, for the first time since his hospitalisation, only to tender his resignation the following day.
The coach was notably absent from Tuesday’s training session at Polokwane Rugby Club, the team’s training base.
FARPost understands that Moloto has also bid farewell to some of the players, bringing his latest spell with Rise and Shine to an abrupt end.
This marks Moloto’s second departure from Rise and Shine, having previously resigned alongside co-coach Innocent Mayoyo during the 2021/22 season when the club was competing in the National First Division [NFD].
He subsequently worked alongside Kwanele Kopo at Pretoria Callies, having previously served with him at the University of Pretoria. Moloto also had a stint with Ghanaian side Real Academicals in 2024.
WHO WILL TAKE OVER AT POLOKWANE CITY?
During Moloto’s absence, Mkhuseli Sentane took charge of three matches, assisted by Mpho Ndlovu. The interim technical team suffered two defeats to Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout Cup, while drawing 0-0 with TS Galaxy.
With Polokwane City not returning to action until 24 November, the FIFA international break gives the club time to assess its coaching options.
Former coach Phuti Mohafe has also been linked with a return after being spotted in the VIP section during the Carling Knockout clash against Siwelele. However, he has since dismissed speculation about a potential comeback.
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