Phuti Mohafe shifts focus to league after Polokwane City’s Nedbank Cup exit

Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe has turned his attention back to the Betway Premiership after his side’s elimination from the Nedbank Cup in the round of 32.

Rise and Shine produced a determined performance despite playing most of the match with 10 men following Monty Batlhabane’s early first-half red card. The defeat means Polokwane City were unable to equal last season’s run to the last 16 of the competition.

Lebohang Nkaki’s equaliser cancelled out Taariq Fielies’ early opener, sending the game into extra time after neither side could find a winner in regulation time. With penalties approaching, Thandolwethu Ngwenya scored the decisive goal with just seven minutes left in extra time to secure progression for the visitors.

With the cup campaign now over, Mohafe and his charges will shift their full focus to league matters for the remainder of the season. The 51-year-old City coach admitted disappointment with the result but praised his players’ resilience, particularly after being reduced to ten men in the 31st minute of the match.

“Credit to the boys for resisting up until we conceded the second goal," Mohafe said after the match.

“They showed good intentions of wanting to win the match, but the manner in which we conceded is what we can question from the lads because afterwards, we started to get back into the game.

“We played better going forward, but the red card didn’t do us any favours; it’s a lesson for the young boy to avoid doing such a tackle in an area where there is no danger.

Rise and Shine mentor felt his team had controlled key aspects of the match and created enough chances to secure victory but ultimately failed to convert their opportunities, despite successfully limiting the opposition’s attacking threats.

“We missed about four chances, one versus one, and maybe the result would have been different had we kept our composure. Tactically, I thought we were the better side because we managed to close the spaces they were looking for.

“We were able to cut the supply from the wings, and it shows that we were able to defend well, but it was unfortunate to concede in the dying minutes of the second half of extra time.

Currently eighth on the Betway Premiership table, the Limpopo-based outfit will be aiming to build consistency in their performances for the rest of their league season.

A crucial clash against Siwelele FC awaits this Saturday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Mohafe reiterating his objective of improving on last season’s league position.

“When we started the season, I stated that we need to improve on last season’s position. Last season we were seventh, and the season before that we were eighth.

“We just need to keep on improving positionally, as you can see, even on the field we are improving in terms of the performances, and now we just need to improve in terms of winning matches.

“The target still remains the same — qualify for the top eight and better the previous season’s position. Whether it’s number six or five, it’s fine; we just have to fight for those positions now.”