Polokwane City claimed their first DStv Premiership win in more than three years when they defeated Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

A first-half own goal from Stellies defender Olivier Toure proved decisive, handing Rise and Shine their first top-flight victory since defeating provincial rivals Black Leopards at home in March 2020.

The Cape visitors, meanwhile, were unable to build on their impressive win over Orlando Pirates on the weekend and missed out on the chance to join the league leaders (Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City) on six points.

After a quiet opening period, Polokwane began to take control of the game and created chances for striker Douglas Mapfumo, whose first sight of goal had him head over the crossbar in the 22nd minute, before another opportunity in a scramble in the box three minutes later when Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens fumbled a cross.

On 29 minutes Rise and Shine were inches away from taking the lead, as Bulelani Nikani latched onto a loose ball in the box and shot on goal, only for his effort to deflect off a defender and clip the crossbar.

Yet the hosts did not have to wait much longer to break the deadlock: on 35 minutes Thabang Matuludi whipped in an excellent cross from the right flank – Stellies centre-back Olivier Toure attempted to head clear, but only succeeded in directing the ball into his own net.

The Cape side looked for a quick reply before the interval, but City goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula made a sharp save from Iqraam Rayners’ long range shot to ensure his side remained 1-0 up at halftime.

The start of the second half saw Stellies introduce Kgaogelo Sekgota, Qobolwakhe Sibande and Anicet Oura in an effort to get back into the game, but Polokwane nearly doubled their advantage via Nyakala Raphadu, who rattled the crossbar with a spectacular long-range shot in the 54th minute.

Just before the hour mark Stellies had a great long-range effort of their own, as Oura unleashed a left-footed thunderbolt that easily had the beating of Mathebula, but crashed back off the post.

Shortly thereafter Mathebula made a sharp save at his near post to deny Rayners, and Stephens also got involved at the other end by keeping out a thumping volley from substitute Oswin Appollis.

The woodwork was hit again in the 73rd minute when Polokwane substitute Hlayisi Chauke controlled a long throw-in and got off an acrobatic volley which clipped the top of the angle between post and crossbar.

Stellies pushed hard for an equaliser in the dying minutes and missed out on a great chance when Salifu Colley latched onto a low cross from the right and blazed a shot high and wide.

Stellenbosch will be in MTN8 action this weekend when they face SuperSport United in a quarterfinal fixture, while Polokwane’s next match is a DStv Premiership fixture at home to Cape Town Spurs on August 19.

Polokwane City (1) 1 (Toure og 35’)

Stellenbosch FC 0