Polokwane City secured their first win of the Betway Premiership season after defeating Siwelele FC 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema made just one change following the loss to Orbit College as Thabo Makhele was recalled in place of veteran defender Buhle Mkhwanazi.
It was the visitors who got the breakthrough on 18 minutes when Keorapetse Sebone raced clear down the right and beat goalkeeper Ricardo Goss to the ball before slotting into an empty net.
That proved to be Rise and Shine's first goal of the 2025/2026 campaign, having failed to score in their last three matches, which includes two league games and an MTN8 quarter-final.
Polokwane went in search of more goals and they went close after 36 minutes when Manuel Kambala saw his powerful effort brilliantly tipped away by Goss, who was keeping his side in the contest.
Coach Seema made a double change at the start of the second half by withdrawing Christian Saile and Gape Moralo for Wayde Lekay and Keanin Ayer as they went in search of the equaliser.
Lekay had the chance put the home side back on level terms after 65 minutes after getting on the end of a free-kick, but the striker was unable to keep his header on target in the box.
Siwelele threw everything forward in search of the equaliser in the latter stages of the half, but Phuti Mohafe's charges remained resolute at the back and held on for their first win of the campaign.
Rise and Shine will be back in action next week against Durban City, while will travel to TS Galaxy.
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Siwelele: Goss, Mobbie, Makhele, Moralo, Magidigidi, Pule, Mokhuoane, Saile, Rapoo, Ndbele, Gamphani
Polokwane City: Bwire, Manthosi, Motsa, Nkaki, Mvundela, Kambala, Sebone, Kelepu, Tshabalala, Dlamini