In their MMK Funeral Services League match played at the Ha-Mphego grounds on Saturday, Mphego Real Rovers and the Polokwane Soccer Academy shared the spoils 1-1.

Academy were lucky not to lose any of their players through injury during the match, as they brought a squad of only 11 players to the game. The visitors started the game like a house on fire with their captain, Gwen Papo, frustrating the opponents with his dribbling skills. They threatened to score in the ninth minute. Lesipa Marakalala unleashed a volley from the 35-meter area, but the ball hit the woodwork and bounced back into play.

In the 24th  minute, Elliot Maponyane beat the Rovers keeper, Mulalo Rammeregi, with a ground cutter. The next ten minutes were characterized by fruitless attempts by the forwards of Rovers. Vele Mahalihali of Real Rovers squandered a scoring chance in the 36th minute. He beat two defenders in a row and hesitated for far too long to unleash from the penalty area, until he lost possession.

The referee, Mr Joseph Mammba, reprimanded Vele Mahalihali of Rovers with a card for a false call. Real Rovers strengthened their midfield by introducing Thabelo Raluswinga for the struggling Muhumbudzi Kwinda towards the end of the first half.

That was the turning point of the game as Real Rovers took the game to their opponents soon afterwards. The second half saw the hosts put more pressure on the defence of Academy. Their equaliser came in the 56th minute. Lugisani Shumba headed home, following a corner kick that was taken by Thonifhani Nemukula.