City’s sorrows pile up after loss
Ranga Chivairo of Baroka FC's first minute penalty-kick was enough to secure the three points for them in the Limpopo derby.
POLOKWANE – Baroka hosted Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex on Saturday and managed to record a 1-0 victory.
The loss sends Rise and Shine to the bottom of the Absa Premiership log. Not only was there a shortage of goals but fan numbers were also dismal. The opening exchanges in the match saw an even match-up as neither team managed to grab hold of the game.
City’s head coach, Clinton Larsen said the team performed well despite conceding in the first minute. “It is always difficult to bounce back after conceding so early on in the match but the players gave it their all. The league is very tight and for us it is about getting the results sooner rather than later. I am confident if my boys keep playing this way, the results will come and I thought we had some outstanding performances in the middle of the park from Themba Chauke and Kabelo Mahlasela.
He is not match fit because he has not played in a while but he was creating problems for them. I hope we will secure the signings of one or two defenders with whom we are in talks with. The situation is quite dire at the moment and we are trying to reinforce in the defence department,” said Larsen.
Baroka’s assistant coach, Matsimela Thoka said the match was very important for them.
“The boys fought very well, even though it was not easy but we managed to get the three points. I am happy that my boys managed to score in the first minute of the game which means that our attacking was very good.
“I was pleased with my defenders as they worked very hard to prevent Polokwane City to score a goal,” said Thoka.
Baroka’s goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze was named as man of the man and said that the team really needed the win to build up their confidence going forward. “If you look where we are on the log, it is not healthy although we have quality in our squad. I managed to keep a clean sheet which helped my teammates to win the game,” said Chipezeze.
