Coach steps away from Rise and Shine
Polokwane City head coach Willy Moloto has resigned, bringing his brief tenure at the Betway Premiership club to an early end as he focuses on his health. Moloto confirmed the decision on 3 November 2026, after being away from the team for several weeks following a medical incident during a league match.
Moloto left the field during the first half of the club’s 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu in September after collapsing. He was taken for medical attention after experiencing what appeared to be respiratory difficulties. The coach subsequently spent a week in a private hospital in Polokwane, according to the report on his condition.
His absence had already placed the club’s day-to-day football operations in the hands of assistant coach Sheppard Sentane. Sentane was tasked with guiding the side through its most recent fixtures, including a goalless league draw against TS Galaxy at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and the Carling Knockout last-16 defeat to Siwelele on penalties.
Health cited as reason for decision
Moloto said he had decided to leave because he needed to give priority to his recovery. He also expressed concern that the club continued paying him while he was unable to carry out his responsibilities on the training ground and from the dugout.
“Yes, I have resigned. Just to focus on my health, and I don’t want to be selfish towards the team.”
The coach said he had been with the team for about eight weeks and believed it was unfair for Polokwane City to continue paying him when he was not able to contribute fully. His decision means the club must now determine whether Sentane will remain in charge or whether another coach will be appointed before the league campaign resumes.
City’s results under pressure
Moloto’s departure comes while Polokwane City are positioned 11th on the league table, with eight points from nine matches. The team has recorded only one victory in those outings. The results leave the club needing greater consistency when competitive action resumes, particularly as it seeks to protect its position in the Premiership standings.
| Issue | Latest position |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Willy Moloto has resigned |
| League position | 11th |
| Points and matches | Eight points from nine outings |
| Next league fixture | Against Durban City on 24 November |
The club’s recent run has included the narrow loss to AmaZulu, the cup defeat to Siwelele and the draw with TS Galaxy. Those matches were played while Moloto was unavailable, with Sentane overseeing the team. The change in leadership therefore follows a period in which the coaching staff had already been adapting to uncertainty around the head coach’s recovery and availability.
Next test after international break
Polokwane City are scheduled to travel to Chatsworth Stadium to face Durban City on 24 November, when the league resumes after the FIFA international break. That fixture will be the next major test of the club’s response to Moloto’s resignation and the first opportunity to assess its technical direction under a permanent or interim arrangement.
Moloto took charge at the start of the current campaign after replacing Phuti Mohafe. His resignation leaves the club with an immediate leadership decision at a crucial stage of the season. For supporters in Polokwane, the outcome will shape not only the team’s results but also the stability of a squad that has struggled to turn matches into points. The club has not announced a successor in the information available.
- Moloto has stepped down to concentrate on his health.
- Sentane has been leading the team during the head coach’s absence.
- Polokwane City return to league action against Durban City on 24 November.
