Polokwane City name Manuel Kambala as captain in leadership reshuffle

Polokwane City have appointed Mozambican midfielder Manuel Kambala as their new captain, with assistant coach Mkhuseli Sentane confirming that leadership duties will also be shared among three players.

Kambala takes over the captain’s armband from Bulelani Nikani and has led Rise and Shine in their past few matches.

Sentane said the decision reflected the 35-year-old’s experience and his long-standing contribution to the team.

“We thought let’s just give him the captain’s role because of his experience as well. He’s always been there for the team, helping the team, but other than that we’ve got three captains in this team,” said Sentane.

Kambala has been with Polokwane City for the past three years and has made almost 100 appearances for the Limpopo club.

His career is also remembered for a decisive moment during the 2019/20 season, when he scored an equaliser for Baroka against Kaizer Chiefs on the final day of the campaign. The result ended Chiefs’ title hopes and handed the championship to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sentane explained that goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke and defender Tlou Nkwe would also be given opportunities to lead the side as part of a wider effort to develop the squad’s leadership.

“One of them is (Oscarine) Masuluke, and one day you’d see him as captain. Tlou Nkwe can be a captain as well. We are trying to rotate and give them more responsibility and leadership. So that they can be able to guide the youngsters.”

Masuluke joined Polokwane City in September. He was nominated for the 2017 FIFA Puskas award.

Nkwe moved to the club from Pretoria Callies in 2023.

The changes mean Polokwane City will rely on a group of senior players rather than a single permanent leader, with Kambala, Masuluke and Nkwe all expected to help guide the younger members of the squad.