Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe is aware that Magesi will have a point to prove in their second derby of the Betway Premiership season at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, September 21.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
Clinton Larsen's side made history when they earned promotion to the top tier of South African football for the first time as 2023-24 Motsepe Foundation Championship winners.
The top-flight newcomers lost 1-0 to Limpopo rivals Sekhukhune United in their opening match on Wednesday when Andy Boyeli's 44th-minute goal settled the derby.
Magesi's title success was built on a solid defence as they conceded the third-lowest goals (28) in the MFC and Larsen will be looking to make life hard for visiting teams this term.
Rise And Shine held off the challenge of Golden Arrows last season to qualify for the MTN 8 as they secured the final berth by one point.
Mohafe wants to see them challenge higher up the table in 2024-25, having been contenders for a top-three finish at one stage before a run of just two wins from their last 10 games saw them drop out of contention.
Mohafe's side kicked off proceedings on a positive note after they battled back from a goal down to beat AmaZulu 2-1 in Polokwane last Saturday.
What was said:
Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe
"They (Magesi) might be debutants, but we must know that everyone is trying to prove a point that they were not promoted by fluke so they deserve to be promoted.
"It's going to be a tough match for us, it's a derby also and a local one so it's going to be a difficult match, but we just hope that we keep on managing and maintaining the games we play and keep on growing as a team and improving from last season."
Magesi head coach Clinton Larsen
"I was so happy for the club. What a day for everybody involved at the club. The club made history to be in this position.
"The next thing I am happy about is the debutants; they played their first game on the PSL [stage]. That was me 30 years ago.
"I know how they felt; I know how they felt representing not only themselves but their families. So those were the two key things that I was proud of."
Players to watch:
Magesi - Kgaogelo Sekgota will be looking to revive his career under Larsen, who believes he can get the best out of their new signing. The 27-year-old winger had been without a club since he left Stellenbosch in February and he was also previously on the books of Bidvest Wits, Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs.
Polokwane City - Thabang Matuludi was an almost ever-present in the team last season, missing just one game and featuring every minute in the league. The 25-year-old right-back scored just one goal in 2024-25, but has already got off the mark this term after bagging a late winner against Usuthu.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 2
Magesi wins - 0
Polokwane wins - 2
Draws - 0
