Polokwane City Held to Goalless Draw by Magesi in Betway Premiership Opener

Polokwane City Held to Goalless Draw by Magesi in Betway Premiership Opener

Polokwane City were held to a goalless draw by Magesi FC in their Betway Premiership opener at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, August 9, as both sides shared the spoils in a Limpopo derby that saw the hosts dominate but fail to convert chances.

The match marked a solid start for Magesi in their second season in the top flight, under new head coach John Maduka, who will be pleased with a point on the road after his side weathered early pressure from Rise and Shine. Dikwena tsa Meetse, who lost their opening two matches last term and managed just one win before the turn of the year, showed resilience to hold firm against a Polokwane team that created numerous opportunities but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.

Polokwane, coached by Phuti Mohafe, gave debuts to Mpho Mvundlela and Sabelo Motsa following their MTN8 loss to Orlando Pirates, aiming to build on a strong home record where they won seven of 15 league games last season. Magesi, fresh from their 2024 Carling Knockout triumph, were without goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and started Mbali Tshabalala between the posts, a decision that paid off with several key saves.

Key Moments in a Frustrating Encounter
The game burst into life early, with Polokwane threatening from the outset. Mbali Tshabalala was called into action in the opening minutes to keep out a snapshot from Levy Mashiane, setting the tone for a first half where the hosts bossed possession at 58% and registered six shots to Magesi’s two. Tshabalala was tested again from close range by Sibusiso Tshabalala as the half progressed, denying what looked like a certain goal.

Mashiane had another sniff at goal when he steered a header wide from a corner, but Magesi rode their luck and finally threatened just before halftime. Mcedi Vandala drew a save out of Brian Bwire following good work from Delano Abrahams, providing a rare moment of relief for the visitors who spent much of the period defending deep.
Rise and Shine were inches away from breaking the deadlock in the opening stages of the second half when Bonginkosi Dlamini lined up a shot from the left that struck the frame of the goal. Keagile Malepe, introduced at halftime, then wasted a good opportunity with a header over the crossbar from another corner. At the other end, Abrahams could have pulled off a snatch-and-grab win for Maduka’s side, but the right-back skewed his effort from a tight angle.

Despite Polokwane’s dominance—outshooting Magesi 12-5 overall and winning nine corners to three—the match ended goalless, the first 0-0 draw of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. The hosts hit the woodwork twice and forced five saves from Tshabalala, but poor finishing and resolute defending ensured a share of the points.
Lineups and Tactical Insights

Polokwane City: B. Bwire, S. Manthosi, M. Mvundlela, L. Nkaki, S. Motsa, N. Maphangule, M. Batlhabane (K. Malepe 46’), M. Ramabu (K. Sebone 79’), S. Tshabalala (T. Letshedi 46’), B. Dlamini, L. Mashiane (P. Marema 79’).
Magesi: M. Tshabalala, D. Abrahams, T. Makgoga, M. Buthelezi, J. Mokone, K. Mosadi (S. Darpoh 86’), T. Masegela (B. Gama 67’), L. Mtshali, E. Chirambadare (W. Makhubu 67’), K. Mariba (A. Seseane 86’), M. Vandala (T. Kakora 89’).

Mohafe’s side employed an attacking 4-3-3 formation, relying on wing play from Mashiane and Ramabu to create chances, but lacked a clinical finisher upfront. Maduka opted for a compact 4-2-3-1, absorbing pressure and countering through Vandala’s pace, a tactic that frustrated Polokwane and earned a valuable away point.

Standout performers included Tshabalala, whose saves earned him man-of-the-match honours, and Mashiane, who was Polokwane’s most threatening outlet with three shots and two key passes. The game saw no bookings, a clean affair despite the intensity of the local rivalry.

Reactions and Post-Match Analysis

Maduka expressed satisfaction with the result: “We knew it would be tough coming here, but the boys showed great character to hold on for a point. It’s a better start than last season, and we’ll build from this.” Mohafe rued missed opportunities: “We created enough to win, but football is about goals. We hit the woodwork twice and their keeper was outstanding. We’ll take the positives and move on.”
Fans on social media hailed the draw as the “first goalless stalemate of the season,” with some praising Magesi’s defensive masterclass and others frustrated by Polokwane’s wastefulness. The result leaves both teams with one point after matchweek one, with Polokwane in mid-table and Magesi avoiding an early defeat like their 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune 11 months ago.

This Limpopo derby, attended by over 10,000 at the 15,000-capacity Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, adds to the growing rivalry between the provincial neighbours. Last season, Polokwane finished 8th with 39 points, while Magesi, as newcomers, struggled early but survived relegation with 31 points in 15th.

Broader League Context and Upcoming Fixtures
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership, sponsored by the betting company in a R900 million three-year deal, kicked off with several upsets, including Sekhukhune’s 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates. Polokwane, who impressed with a top-half finish last term, next face Kaizer Chiefs away on 13 August, aiming to regain momentum. Magesi host Stellenbosch on the same day at Seshego Stadium, hoping to build on this resilient display.

For Magesi, avoiding early losses is key to their 50-point target, as stated by Maduka pre-season. Polokwane, with a solid home record (unbeaten in their last five league games at Old Peter Mokaba), will look to sharpen their attack amid high expectations.

This opener highlights the league’s competitiveness, where promoted sides like Magesi can hold their own against established teams. Full match highlights are available on SuperSport, with analysts noting Polokwane’s dominance in stats—62% possession and 14 corners—but Magesi’s tactical discipline stole the show. As the season unfolds, both clubs will aim for consistency in a campaign promising twists and turns.

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