Mohafe clarifies why he attended Polokwane City’s Carling Knockout match

Phuti Mohafe says he attended Polokwane City FC’s Carling Knockout fixture simply to support his former club, despite speculation about his presence at the match.

The former Polokwane City head coach watched from the stands as Rise and Shine faced Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, 24 October 2026.

Polokwane City’s campaign ended in disappointment after the match finished 0–0 following extra time. Siwelele then won the penalty shootout 4–3 to secure their place in the next round.

Mohafe’s appearance attracted attention because of his previous connection with the Limpopo-based side. During his time in charge, he guided Polokwane City to consecutive top-eight finishes before leaving the club unexpectedly in July 2026.

He subsequently took over at top-flight rivals Marumo Gallants, but his spell with the club lasted only a short time. Marumo Gallants terminated his contract in September 2026 after the team began the Betway Premiership season with five matches without a win.

Mohafe later criticised the club’s leadership for not showing enough patience, arguing that five matches had not given him sufficient time to introduce his philosophy.

His return to watch Polokwane City led to questions over whether he was considering a renewed involvement with the club or had attended in the hope of speaking to its chairman.

Mohafe rejected that suggestion in an interview with KickOff, saying his visit was only about supporting the team he had previously managed.

> “I went there to watch the game. I went there as a supporter; I was there to support my former team. I was not there hoping to bump into the chairman, which is why we did not meet. There is nothing I am discussing with Polokwane City,” Mohafe told KickOff.

The former coach therefore played down any suggestion that his presence at the stadium was linked to negotiations or a possible return to Polokwane City.