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Batsi earns Orbit College a last-gasp draw

rugby31 January 2026 18:20| © Backpage TXT
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Polokwane City remain winless in the new year after they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Orbit College at the at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

A first-half brace from Thabelo Tshikweta put Rise And Shine in control at the break, but Surprise Ralani pulled one back from the penalty spot early in the second half and Atisang Batsi equalised three minutes from time to clinch a dramatic point for Pogiso Makhoye's side.

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Polokwane were looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Durban City in their first outing of 2026 last weekend, while the Mswenko Boyz desperately sought to stop the rot after a 1-0 reverse against Chippa United on January 24 extended their losing streak to five matches.

The hosts made a bright start and nearly broke the deadlock on five minutes when Keorapetse Sebone found himself clean through on goal, but failed to beat Sabelo Nkomo.

They eventually hit the front 21 minutes later as Tshikweta did well to control a flick-on from Bonginkosi Dlamini before slotting home in off the woodwork.

Phuti Mohafe's side struck again two minutes before half and it Tshikweta who applied the finishing touch from close range after reacting quickest to a rebound off the crossbar.

However, it took the visitors just six second-half minutes to respond, with Ralani converting a spot-kick after he had been brought down inside the 18-yard area.

The Limpopo outfit pushed for a third goal as the second half progressed and they ramped up the pressure in the closing stages, but they were caught out late on when Batsi darted into the box to steer home Ayanda Lukhele's cross.

Rise And Shine are unmoved in eighth position, level with TS Galaxy (7th) on 24 points, while the Mswenko Boyz find themselves second from bottom after Chippa United beat City 2-0 earlier in the day to climb up to 14th spot.

Polokwane City (2) 2 (Tshikweta 26', 43')

Orbit College (0) 2 (Ralani 51' PEN, Batsi 87')

Polokwane City: B. Bwire, T. Matuludi, B. Nikani, L. Nkaki, T. Nkwe, N. Maphangule, M. Batlhabane, K. Sebone (R. Thobo 75'), B. Mnguni (M. Seketso 65'), B. Dlamini, T. Tshikweta.

Orbit College: S. Nkomo, T. Jingana, T. Nhlapo, B. Motshwari, K. Mkhabela, S. Ralani (M. Wagaba 68'), R. Potsana, A. Batsi, T. Moleleki (A. Lukhele 46'), S. Mabele (G. Khoto 68'), H. Vilakazi.

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