Polokwane City Sign Former Mamelodi Sundowns Defender Malebogo Modise Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Polokwane City have continued their preparations for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season by strengthening their squad with the signing of experienced left-back Malebogo Modise. The Limpopo-based club is looking to build on an impressive campaign and has moved quickly in the transfer market to support newly appointed head coach Machete Moloto. The arrival of Modise adds valuable experience and depth to the defensive unit as the club aims to remain competitive in South Africa’s top flight. His signing also reflects the club’s ambition to maintain the progress made over the past season while preparing for new challenges. With preseason preparations already underway, Polokwane City appear determined to assemble a balanced squad capable of achieving consistent results.
The appointment of Machete Moloto marked the beginning of a new era for Rise and Shine following the departure of Phuti Mohafe. Mohafe earned widespread praise for guiding the club through an impressive 2025/26 campaign before accepting an opportunity to join Marumo Gallants. While replacing a successful coach is never an easy task, Polokwane City have shown confidence in Moloto’s ability to continue the team’s upward trajectory. Club management has wasted little time in providing him with new players who fit his vision for the upcoming season. The acquisition of Modise is one of the first clear indications that the club intends to give its new coach the tools needed to compete effectively.
According to information gathered by KickOff.com, Polokwane City have completed the signing of Malebogo Modise to strengthen the left side of their defence. The experienced full-back joins the club as a free agent after leaving Chippa United at the conclusion of the previous season. His arrival is expected to improve competition for places while adding consistency and defensive stability. Modise has developed into a dependable performer through years of experience in South African football and is capable of contributing both defensively and in attack. His ability to support wide play while remaining disciplined at the back makes him a valuable addition to Moloto’s squad.
Modise leaves Chippa United after two productive seasons during which he established himself as one of the club’s most reliable players. Despite his departure, he exits with his reputation strengthened after consistently delivering solid performances in the Betway Premiership. During the previous campaign, the left-back featured in 31 matches across all competitions, demonstrating both his fitness and importance to the team. His consistency earned him recognition as one of Chippa United’s standout performers even as the club experienced the usual challenges of a demanding league season. Becoming available as a free agent gave Polokwane City the opportunity to secure an experienced player without paying a transfer fee.
Before making his mark at Chippa United, Modise began his professional journey with Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s most successful clubs. The Mahikeng-born defender progressed through the Sundowns academy and earned promotion to the senior squad in 2020. Breaking into the first team, however, proved difficult because of the exceptional quality and depth within the club’s star-studded squad. As a result, he spent time on loan with several clubs, including Maritzburg United, JDR Stars, All Stars and Chippa United. Those loan spells allowed him to gain valuable first-team experience while developing into a more complete and confident defender.
Eventually, Modise completed a permanent transfer to Chippa United in August 2024, where he was finally able to enjoy regular football. The move proved beneficial for both player and club, allowing him to establish himself as one of the league’s dependable left-backs. His performances demonstrated maturity, tactical awareness and the ability to handle the demands of top-flight football. The experience he gained over the past few seasons has prepared him well for another important opportunity with Polokwane City. His journey also highlights the determination required to succeed after facing limited opportunities at one of the country’s biggest clubs.
Now beginning a new chapter under Machete Moloto, Modise will be eager to make an immediate impact at Polokwane City. The 27-year-old has the opportunity to become an important part of a team looking to build on the momentum created during the previous campaign. His experience in the Betway Premiership, combined with his defensive qualities and attacking support from the left flank, could prove valuable throughout the season. Polokwane City supporters will be hopeful that his arrival strengthens the squad and helps the club compete consistently against some of the country’s strongest teams. As the 2026/27 season approaches, the signing of Malebogo Modise represents another positive step in the club’s efforts to establish itself as a competitive force under new leadership.
