In the wake of a grueling goalless draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, the focus has shifted from the pitch to the post-match podium. Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has ignited a firestorm of debate by openly questioning the decision to name Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe as the Man of the Match.
The stalemate, which brought Chiefs’ impressive five-game winning streak to an abrupt halt, was a tactical chess match that left the “Rise and Shine” mentor feeling aggrieved—not just by the result, but by the distribution of accolades.
“Lebohang Maboe Was Nowhere to Be Seen”
Speaking to the media after the final whistle on April 18, 2026, a visibly perplexed Mohafe did not hold back his criticism of the selection process. While post-match awards are often subjective, the Polokwane coach suggested that the decision-makers may have been watching a different game entirely.
“I am so confused about how Maboe got the Man of the Match. I don’t know how he got it because he was nowhere to be seen on the field,” Mohafe stated bluntly. “Whenever he got the ball, we were there. We won most of the balls from him. So how can you be a Man of the Match when you are losing the balls?”
Mohafe’s frustration stems from a tactical plan he believes his side executed to perfection. He argued that his midfield engine room, specifically designed to stifle the Amakhosi’s creative spark, had successfully “neutralized” both Maboe and his teammate Thabo Cele.
The Case for the “Rise and Shine” Trio
Mohafe went as far as to list several of his own players who he felt were more deserving of the gong. For the Polokwane coach, the award should have recognized the defensive discipline and individual brilliance that kept the Soweto giants at bay.
He highlighted three specific players:
- Manuel Kambala: The midfielder tasked with shadowing Maboe. Mohafe argued that if Maboe was kept quiet, the credit should go to the man who silenced him.
- Tlou Nkwe: The left-back was a constant presence, providing both defensive cover and an outlet for counter-attacks.
- Simon Ramabu: The winger who “gave Chiefs problems” all night and nearly snatched a winner in the dying moments of the second half.
“Let’s go back to who was marking Maboe? It was Kambala. Then we say we had Tlou on the left, who deserved it. You have Ramabu on the right; he deserves it. So why not give them the Man of the Match?” Mohafe added, calling for more objective criteria in the selection of the award.
Tactical Clinic vs. Reputation
The controversy touches on a long-standing debate in South African football regarding the “reputation bias” of Man of the Match awards. Critics often suggest that players from the “Big Three” (Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns) are more likely to receive accolades even in mediocre performances, simply due to their profile or the volume of their ball possession.
From a statistical standpoint, Maboe’s contribution was indeed more subtle than spectacular. While he provided the corner that led to Aden McCarthy’s missed header and maintained a respectable pass completion rate, he failed to provide the “killer blow” that Chiefs fans have come to expect. Polokwane City, meanwhile, dominated the final 25 minutes of the match, creating numerous chances that they ultimately failed to convert.
A Point Earned, but a Point Dropped for Lebohang Maboe
Despite his anger over the award, Mohafe conceded that taking a point off a surging Kaizer Chiefs side was a positive step for his team. The draw leaves Polokwane City in seventh place with 34 points, keeping their Top 8 ambitions firmly alive.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the draw is a minor stumble before the much-anticipated Soweto Derby on April 26. Coach Nasreddine Nabi now faces the task of reigniting his attack after they were effectively shut down by Mohafe’s tactical setup.
The Aftermath
As the dust settles, the debate over Lebohang Maboe’s trophy will likely serve as a motivational tool for Polokwane City. For Mohafe, it is a reminder that his team is capable of competing with the league’s elite, even if they don’t always get the “plaudits” he feels they deserve.
The “Rise and Shine” will now look ahead to their clash with Stellenbosch, while Maboe and his Chiefs teammates must find a way to turn possession into goals before they step into the cauldron of the FNB Stadium next weekend.
Match Summary (April 18, 2026)
| Feature | Polokwane City | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Score | 0 | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 2 |
| Possession | 42% | 58% |
| Official MOTM | — | Lebohang Maboe |
| Mohafe’s MOTM Picks | Kambala, Nkwe, Ramabu | — |
The question remains: was Maboe rewarded for his influence on the game’s rhythm, or was Mohafe correct in calling him “invisible” against a superior tactical plan? In the court of public opinion, the jury is still out.
