Richards Bay, Polokwane looking to reach next level in PSL

POLOKWANE City and Richards Bay enter the 2025/26 season from contrasting backgrounds but yet with almost similar goals, to navigate their way to the next and higher level of the Betway Premiership. Polokwane have in the past two seasons finished in the Top8 and will look to grow some silverware pedigree while Bay will want to not only stay away from the relegation zome but also enter that top half.

Polokwane to build on steady growth and rising ambition

Club name: Polokwane City

Club owner: Johnny Mogaladi

Head coach: Phuti Mohafe

Highest ever finish: Fifth

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup

Silverware chances: None

Polokwane City have proven to be a stable and competitive outfit in the Premiership since making their top-flight return in the 2023/24 season. 

The Limpopo-based side has managed back-to-back top-eight finishes over the past two campaigns, a testament to their steady growth and rising ambition.

Heading into the new 2025/26 season, there is a quiet optimism around the club. Their performances last season gave reason for encouragement, especially in the early stages when they sat as high as third on the log. 

However, their strong start was undone by a disappointing drop-off in the latter half of the season, with consistency in front of goal proving to be their undoing.

One of the biggest talking points around City is the departure of star midfielder Oswin Appollis, who completed a high-profile move to Orlando Pirates during the off-season.

His influence was immediately felt—both through his absence in Polokwane’s midfield and, ironically, through his presence on the scoresheet for Pirates, as he scored against his former club in their 2-0 MTN8 defeat on the opening weekend.

In preparation for the new campaign, coach Phuti Mohafe and his technical team have remained active in the transfer window. However, unlike many of their competitors opting for high-profile signings, City have looked to the lower divisions to bolster their squad, bringing in promising talent from the lower tiers.

Despite losing one of their key playmakers, City still boast a decent core of experienced players, and there will be hope that the mix of youth and experience will gel quickly.

Head coach Mohafe will be eager for his side to avoid the mid-season slump this time around and to maintain the consistency required to stay in the top half of the table.

Players to watch:

Ndamulelo Maphungule,

Mokibelo Ramabu,

Thabang Matuludi

Predicted league finish: Sixth

Richards Bay FC embarks on a journey from survival to contention

Club name: Richards Bay FC

Club owner: Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela

Head Coach: Ronnie Gabriel

Highest ever finish: Eighth

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup

Silverware chances: Slim chances in cup competitions with zero chances for Premiership honours

Richards Bay FC are stepping into an ambitious new phase as they set sights on not just surviving in the top flight but firmly establishing themselves as contenders for a Top-Eight position in Premiership football.

The Natal Rich Boyz, as they are nicknamed, are fresh off an impressive eighth-place finish in the Betway Premiership last season.

They are now ready to make their mark as they celebrate their first-ever qualification for the MTN8 tournament.

Once a club that battled the threat of relegation, Richards Bay’s ascent marks a remarkable turnaround, invigorating both the team and its passionate supporters.

The mission for the upcoming season is clear: to build on last year's breakthrough and ensure that top-half performances are a regular expectation in KwaZulu-Natal.

At the helm of this resurgence are co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane.

Their leadership guided the team through a season defined by tactical discipline, a robust defensive structure, and a growing belief in their capabilities.

Both tacticians will continue in their roles as they face the upcoming season, a challenge that now comes with increased pressure but also the traction of last year's success woven through the fabric of the squad.

Their new signings are a strategic move by the club to bolster key areas ahead of a gruelling campaign that promises both league action and cup football, crucial for any club aspiring to solidify its presence in the top tier.

The impending signings signal not just a commitment to improvement but also a clear strategy as Richards Bay FC prepares to navigate the complexities of the league and make waves in cup competitions.

There is a great sense of anticipation as the club gears up not merely for survival, but for a place among the contenders in South African football.

Three players to watch:

Thulani Gumede,

Fezile Gcaba,

Justice Figuareido

Predicted league finish: 12th