Polokwane City players plan to rise to the challenge
Polokwane City will descend on Cape Town when they kick-off their 2016/17 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign next week Tuesday against Cape Town City in a clash that could be aptly dubbed as a Tale of Two Cities.
LIMPOPO – Kick-off for the game at Cape Town Stadium is at 19:30. Polokwane City, now under the tutelage of Belgian coach Luc Eymael, are on a redemption mission following a mediocre showing during the previous season in which they failed to achieve any accolades.
Eymael replaced Brazilian Julio Leal as Rise and Shine continue their trend of appointing foreign coaches.
The man who has been appointed as Polokwane City’s head coach has already conceded that he doesn’t have a vast knowledge of his charges, however, he says he comes with a wealth of continental experience within Africa.
He says he understands the common style among South African teams, which could well be the major coup for the Limpopo side that finished 13th on the Absa Premiership League log during the 2016/17 season.
Eymael was first linked to Cape Town City before Eric Tinkler’s appointment and has now been snapped up by Rise and Shine. The 56-year-old, a former goalkeeper himself, has gained vast experience over the years and will be tasked to lead the team to a top eight finish and challenge for the trophy.
Polokwane City have just completed the signing of former Platinum Stars defender, Thabiso Semenya, to bolster its squad ahead of the season.
Semenya joins Rise and Shine on a free transfer after his contract with Dikwena expired at the end of last season. Eymael has confirmed the signing of the 32-year-old, who had impressed while on trial with the club.
The Limpopo-based outfit are assessing Belgium-born striker, Christophe Martin-Suarez, who turned out for Belgian second division club KSV Roeselare, as well as ex-Jomo Cosmos striker, Muhammad Sulumba.
Meanwhile, Cape Town City FC have continued their big recruitment drive by landing experienced former Bafana Bafana defender, Robyn Johannes.
The 30-year-old last played for AmaZulu and has signed a two-year deal with the new Absa Premiership club franchise.
Johannes has previously represented Maritzburg United, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and University of Pretoria during his career.
