Polokwane City Football Club, affectionately known as Rise and Shine, is one of the most compelling transformation stories in South African football. Starting out as Bay United in Port Elizabeth in 2005, the club relocated to Limpopo and reinvented itself as Polokwane City in 2012. Through resilience, tragedy, and triumph, the team established itself in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), giving the province a bold, passionate presence at the top level of the game.
🟨 SECTION 2: Club Overview
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Quick Facts About Polokwane City FC
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Bay United |
| Founded | 2005 (as Bay United), Rebranded 2012 |
| Location | Polokwane, Limpopo |
| Home Ground | Peter Mokaba Stadium (Old & New) |
| Nickname | Rise and Shine |
| Chairman | Johnny Mogaladi |
| Owners | Julia Lerato Mogaladi |
| Club CEO | Tincy Teema |
| Club Director | Lawrence Seete |
| League History | PSL & NFD |
🟨 SECTION 3: The Bay United Era
How Volkswagen and Nelson Mandela Bay Kickstarted a Dream
Bay United was born out of a unique public-private partnership. In 2005, Volkswagen South Africa responded to Nelson Mandela Bay’s call to field a PSL-ready club ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. VW bought the status of Maritzburg United, relocated the club to Port Elizabeth, and engaged the public in naming the new team. After failing to get approval to use “Madiba Bay United,” the club settled on Bay United. In 2008, under new owners Izingwe Holdings, Bay United achieved promotion to the PSL, but their top-flight stay was short-lived.
🟨 SECTION 4: From the Bay to the Bushveld
A New Beginning in Polokwane
After failing to re-secure PSL status, Bay United was sold in 2010 to Limpopo businesswoman Julia Lerato Mogaladi. The club spent one transitional season in Port Elizabeth before officially relocating to Polokwane in 2011. The new era began in earnest in 2012, when the club rebranded as Polokwane City FC. With a new identity, leadership under Johnny Mogaladi, and passionate local backing, Rise and Shine aimed for the top.
🟨 SECTION 5: The 2012–13 Breakthrough Season
Triumph and Tragedy in the NFD
The 2012/13 season was both triumphant and heartbreaking. On the pitch, Polokwane City dominated the National First Division (NFD), earning promotion to the PSL. But mid-season tragedy struck when four players — Koketso Takalo, Robert Mphuti, Moeketsi Nthete, and Silverster Mpkatsane — lost their lives in a horrific car accident. The players responded with spirit and resolve, clinching promotion in an emotional campaign that solidified their place in local football folklore.
🟨 SECTION 6: Early PSL Years and Growth
Establishing a Limpopo Powerhouse
- 2013/14: Secured their first PSL win against Ajax Cape Town after a shaky start.
- 2014/15: Finished 15th and survived via playoffs.
- 2015/16: Finished a solid 12th in the PSL standings.
- 2016/17: Best finish to date — 6th, qualifying for the MTN 8.
Through consistent investment and growing local support, Polokwane City became a competitive PSL team. Chairman Johnny Mogaladi went above and beyond for fans — paying for transportation and tickets — turning Rise and Shine into a symbol of pride across Limpopo/
🟨 SECTION 7: Bay United to Polokwane City – Timeline
Key Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Bay United founded in Port Elizabeth by Volkswagen SA |
| 2008 | Bay United promoted to PSL |
| 2010 | Club sold to Julia Mogaladi |
| 2011 | Relocation to Limpopo begins |
| 2012 | Name changed to Polokwane City FC |
| 2013 | Promoted to PSL as NFD champions |
| 2017 | Finished 6th in PSL, qualified for MTN 8 |
🟨 SECTION 8: Rise and Shine, Forever
A Club Rooted in Tragedy, Triumph, and Tenacity
Quote Block:
“That season we lost our brothers — but we found our spirit. That’s what Polokwane City means to us.” – City Fan, 2013
From the bustling coastal city of Port Elizabeth to the vibrant heart of Limpopo, Polokwane City’s journey is one of transformation, adversity, and unshakable belief. Built on bold decisions and community passion, Rise and Shine remains one of South Africa’s most inspiring football stories — a team that started as a vision and became a province’s pride.
