So much for lightning not striking twice. Polokwane City made a mockery of the saying, rising in exactly the same way they did midweek.
Phuti Mohafe’s team scored an injury-time winner to beat Chippa United 2-1 in a Betway Premiership match at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Thabang Matuludi headed in a Puleng Marema free kick in the 94th minute, just as the match looked set for a stalemate, following first-half goals from Ayabulela Konqobe and Lebohang Nkaki.
The result mirrored Wednesday’s match, when City stole maximum points from Golden Arrows with a last-minute Marema strike.
The Limpopo outfit have now climbed to fourth, a day after neighbours Sekhukhune United stayed top of the table with an injury-time winner against Arrows at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The significance of Matuludi’s goal was clear, as coach Mohafe and his entire bench ran across the pitch to celebrate with the right-back, who had seen little action this season. It was a superb goal, with Matuludi hanging in the air for what seemed like an eternity while awaiting Marema’s delivery.
Chippa goalkeeper Ayanda Sithole remained rooted to his line, allowing Matuludi to redirect the ball straight into the net and spark wild celebrations in the stands.
City had a nightmarish start, conceding as early as the fifth minute. Some poor defensive work allowed Konqobe to smash a loose ball home from the edge of the box.
City nearly equalised in the 43rd minute when their free-kick hit the crossbar. They persisted, however, and earned a penalty from a handball by Ndlovu. Captain Lebohang Nkaki struck it hard and high into the roof of the net.
Chippa nearly retook the lead before half-time when John Madingawana’s long-range shot was tipped over by City goalkeeper Brian Wire for a corner.
The second half see-sawed, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. It looked as though the teams would share the points, but this City team does not give up until the final whistle. Just as they did on Wednesday, they won via an injury-time goal.
And once again, they proved that lightning can strike twice.
