Polokwane City and Stellenbosch FC drew 3-3 in an enthralling Betway Premiership match played at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.
The result saw Rise and Shine climb to the top of the league standings, a point above second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who host Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.
Polokwane City travel to face Sekhukhune United on Saturday.
Stellenbosch, on the other hand, remain winless this season and occupy 12th spot in the standings.
Stellies will be determined to register their first win of the campaign when they host Marumo Gallants on Friday.
The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute when Giovanni Philander found the back of the net to hand Polokwane a 1-0 lead.
It was the former Mamelodi Sundowns academy player’s first goal for his new club.
Stellenbosch fought back strongly and levelled matters through Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who also scored his maiden goal for his new employers.
The sides went into the interval locked at 1-1 after a lively first half.
Stellies carried the momentum after the restart and took the lead for the first time on the night when Devin Titus scored on the hour mark to make it 2-1, with the Rise and Shine defence exposed.
Action was end-to-end as Polokwane levelled matters through Surprise Manthosi, who made it 2-2 in the 66th minute, before inspired substitute Raymond Daniels restored the hosts’ lead with 15 minutes remaining.
After conceding two goals, coach Gavin Hunt made several changes.
Stellenbosch equalised late when goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula scored an own goal in the 81st minute following good work by Ashley Du Preez, ending 3-3.
Polokwane (1) 3 (Philander 16', Manthosi 66', Daniels 76')
Stellenbosch (1) 3 (Kwayiba 22', Titus 60', Mathebula 81')
Polokwane: Mathebula, Manthosi, Ramaja, Nkaki, Modise, Maphangule, Kambala, Mnguni (Kopamotse 65'), Dlamini (Nkwe 46'), Philander (Daniels 65'), Molokwane.
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Lebitso, Nkwali, Tauyana (Palace 65'), Mashego, Vena, Mthethwa, Titus (du Preez 79'), Matlou (Grobler 79'), Butsaka (Daniels 80'), Kwayiba.