Polokwane City FC retain their PSL status

POLOKWANE City FC might have set a new Premier Soccer League (PSL) record by becoming the first PSL club to retain their status after taking part in the promotion/relegation play-offs, where they beat Black Leopards 2-1 at the Giyani Stadium on Sunday.

If what head coach, Boebie Solomons said is anything to go by, City supporters should expect a new look Rise and Shine in the 2014/15 season.

Solomons said a lack of experience almost cost them their lucrative PSL status, and they wanted to bring in players with PSL experience to bolster their current squad.

He said most of the players were in their maiden season in the PSL, together with the management and the technical staff.

“We do not want to find ourselves in the same situation again. We learned the hard way, and we now need to bring in experienced players to compete with the big boys,” said the former Santos coach.

It remains to be seen if City will be able to keep all their stars that attracted interest from other PSL clubs. Club captain, Thapelo “Chappies” Tshilo has been linked to a move to Moroka Swallows, although the lanky centre back labelled the reports as “speculations”.

Star striker, Puleng Tlolane has been courted by league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, while on-loan players such as Jabulani Maluleke, Moffatt Mdluli, Tlou Molekwane, Rofhiwa Tshikovhi, Sipho Jembula and Sandile Sibande might return to their clubs.

Meanwhile, the future looks bleak for Black Leopards, whose failure to attain PSL status has left everyone in the club dejected.

Head coach, Kosta Papic said he did not know if he would be staying on with Leopards.

Midfielder, Edgar Manaka is on the wanted list of Orlando Pirates and Chippa United, while top goal scorer, David Zulu is headed to Cape Town to join the Chilli Boys.