Vukusic overseeing a City revolution

It was hard to know what to expect from Josef Vukusic and his Polokwane City side when the Slovak coach took over at the start of this season.

This was a man who had not coached before in the Absa Premiership, with his only previous stint in South Africa with FC Cape Town between 2010 and 2012, never managing to get the Mother City side promoted to the top flight.

And City had a difficult 2017/18 Premiership campaign too, ending up 12th, though in the end they survived relegation fairly comfortably, nine points clear of Platinum Stars, who finished 15th.

It looked like it could be another tricky season for City, as Vukusic started with two defeats, at Black Leopards and at home to Mamelodi Sundowns, even if it is never a disgrace to lose to the champions.

But slowly, Polokwane City are starting to look like a side that could even fight for a top eight spot, winning three of their last four matches – they currently sit in sixth position, just four points off the top.

Last Friday, Vukusic’s side showed incredible resolve to win 1-0 at 2016/17 league champions Bidvest Wits, playing about 70 minutes with 10 men.

“This is good, after two defeats at the start of the season, that we have found a way,” said Vukusic afterwards, of his team’s run that has also seen them beat Baroka FC and Free State Stars at home, while drawing with Golden Arrows away.

A solid defence has been at the heart of the team’s success, with just one goal conceded in four matches. Nicholas Motloung was excellent at the back against Wits, as was goalkeeper George Chigova.

In attack, Jabu Maluleke (pictured) has shown that age is but a number with a goal against Baroka and a brilliant winner from a freekick against Wits.