Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City share spoils in six-goal thriller
Stellenbosch FC picked up their first points of the 2026-27 season after playing out a rollercoaster six-goal thriller against Polokwane City on Tuesday.
Playing in their 300th league match, Stellenbosch FC picked up a valuable point away to Polokwane City after the two sides delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane.
The Maroons were made to work hard for their point after the hosts took an early lead through the boot of Giovanni Philander. The 26-year-old danced his way around the edge of Stellies’ box before firing a well-placed effort into the bottom corner.
Rise and Shine’s lead was short-lived, though, as Stellies equalised just seven minutes later through striker Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who levelled matters with his first goal since joining the Club at the start of the season.
Kwayiba almost doubled his and Stellenbosch’s tally on the stroke of half-time when he drove a powerful strike at goal, but his shot was straight at Polokwane City ‘keeper, Lindokuhle Mathebula.
After the break, George Matlou, on his full debut for Stellenbosch, was next to test the opposition goal when he directed an acrobatic overhead kick on target. Again, though, his effort was straight at Mathebula and easily saved.
The team from the Winelands did eventually find the breakthrough on the hour mark when the ever-reliable Devin Titus directed a header on target to complete the reversal.
However, this time it was Stellies’ lead that did not hold. Just six minutes later, Surprise Manthosi restored parity for the hosts, before Raymond Daniels put City back ahead with 15 minutes remaining
Stellenbosch Coach Gavin Hunt responded by turning to his bench to introduce Raoul Daniels, and new acquisitions Bradley Grobler and Ashley Du Preez, and it was the latter who marked his second debut with an immediate impact.
Du Preez, who returned for a second spell with Stellenbosch earlier this month from Kaizer Chiefs, got the ball goalwards with his first touch of the game to put his team back in contention for a share of the spoils.
That was ultimately what transpired as the referee blew his final whistle, with Stellenbosch FC picking up their first point of the 2026-27 campaign.