Rise & Shine seek league double over Gallants

Polokwane City are hoping to end their three-match losing streak this weekend when they take on Marumo Gallants at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

The high-flying Rise and Shine suffered a dramatic dip in form during the month of February and are currently on a three-match losing streak in all competitions, which included a 3-1 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this week.

Prior to their run of defeats, Polokwane City went on a nine-match unbeaten run across the board and clawed their way up the Betway Premiership table.

While Rise and Shine are third on the log, Gallants currently occupy 14th position, just one point away from the PSL Relegation playoff zone.

Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, have lost each of their last three league fixtures.

However, they did taste victory on 15 February where they bagged a 1-0 win against AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

WHAT WAS SAID

In what was news that made headlines in the PSL this week, Gallants revealed that Dan Malesela and Molefi Ntseki were relieved of their duties as the club aim to shuffle their technical department for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

“Marumo Gallants have released head coach Dan Malesela and Technical Director Molefi Ntseki following the club’s struggle to improve its league standing,” Gallants mentioned in a statement.

"Currently 14th on the log with just four wins from 17 matches, Gallants are looking for a fresh approach.

"The club appreciates their contribution and wishes them well in their future endeavours.”

Reflecting on his side’s recent run of results, Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe expressed his frustration at playing through months such as February and November.

“There are two months that I hate; they hurt the team. The months of November and February, every time we reach these periods we tend to lose matches,” Mohafe said.

“I can't say it's a slump, it's just that we were so unfortunate not to win this match [against Magesi]. We played better than the two matches and we carried ourselves well. But the thing is if you don't shoot at goal, you won't score.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marumo Gallants: Junior Dion – The Ivorian attacker posed a major threat against Mamelodi Sundowns last time out and will hope to build on that confidence against Polokwane City.

After getting his name on the scoresheet, the 31-year-old could take advantage of a leaky Polokwane City defence this weekend.

Polokwane City: Oswin Appollis – While Rise and Shine struggle, Appollis could well be the man to drag his club back to winning ways again.

Known for his ability to produce the special, Gallants will be forced to keep a keen eye on the creative attacker this weekend.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Previous league result

2024/25 Polokwane City 1-0 Marumo Gallants