Polokwane City head coach Willy Moloto has resigned just a day after returning to training following a lengthy absence due to health complications.
The 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign has taken another unexpected turn for Rise and Shine, with the Limpopo club now searching for a new coach after just nine league matches.
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Moloto’s resignation was confirmed to players on Tuesday morning ahead of their training session.
The highly rated tactician took charge at the beginning of the season following the departure of Phuti Mohafe, who left to join Marumo Gallants.
Moloto’s health scare and sudden resignation
Moloto had been sidelined since September after suffering a health scare during Polokwane City’s Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 19 September.
Rise and Shine lost the match 1-0.
During the game, a member of the club’s technical team assisted Moloto to the dressing room while play continued.
He reportedly collapsed shortly afterwards and was rushed to a private hospital in Polokwane, where he spent a week receiving treatment.
The former University of Pretoria coach subsequently remained away from his duties while recovering, missing the club’s last three matches across the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout Cup.
In a surprising turn of events, Moloto returned to training on Monday, 2 November, for the first time since his hospitalisation.
However, he tendered his resignation the following day.
Moloto was absent from Tuesday’s training session at Polokwane Rugby Club, the team’s training base.
He has also reportedly bid farewell to some of the players, bringing his latest spell at Rise and Shine to an abrupt end.
Moloto’s short spell at Rise and Shine
Polokwane City have managed just one victory under Moloto, alongside five draws and three defeats.
The club have collected eight points from their opening nine league matches and currently sit in 11th position on the table.
His resignation marks his second departure from Rise and Shine, having previously resigned alongside co-coach Innocent Mayoyo during the 2021/22 season when the club was competing in the National First Division.
Moloto subsequently worked alongside Kwanele Kopo at Pretoria Callies, having previously served with him at the University of Pretoria.
He also had a stint with Ghanaian side Real Academicals in 2024.
Who will take over at Polokwane City?
During Moloto’s absence, Mkhuseli Sentane took charge of three matches, assisted by Mpho Ndlovu.
The interim technical team suffered two defeats to Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout Cup, while drawing 0-0 with TS Galaxy.
Polokwane City are next scheduled to face Durban City in a league encounter on 24 November.
The FIFA international break gives the club time to assess its coaching options and identify a replacement for Moloto.
Former coach Phuti Mohafe has also been linked with a return after being spotted in the VIP section during the Carling Knockout clash against Siwelele.
However, Mohafe has since dismissed speculation about a potential comeback.