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AUTOMATIC PROMOTION: The Team Of Choice one foot in the elite Betway Premiership league
By Masoja Cele
Motsepe Foundation Championship runaway leaders Durban City are a step closer in securing a promotion to the Betway Premiership. Should City win their fixture on Sunday against Black Leopards at Chatsworth Stadium, Durban, then they will be confirmed as the 2024/25 championship winners.
Despite the death of their star player Sinamandla ‘’Sgora’’ Zondi last month , who collapsed in their home match against Milford FC, the KZN ensemble haven’t looked down with dismay but, punched above their weight.
After the passing of Zondi City clocked two impressive results, a 3-0 home win against Pretoria Callies and another 3-0 away victory away at JDR Stars. The Team of Choice has now opened a cushion of three points above second place Orbit College.
‘’The Team of Choice’’ are leading the pack with 52 points with two matches to complete the season. Second behind City is Orbit College with 49 points with two games to play.
Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United) last played in the elite league back in 2022/23 season are digging deep to reclaim their place in the top league. This season they have been constant performers with the aid of journey man Simo Dladla. The knowledgeable gaffer has assembled a discipline, dedicated and competent team that fight for each other in the field of play.
Experience playing personnel like Ruzaigh Gamildien, Joslin Kamatuka, Ayanda Mtshali and Victor Bakah all boast Premiership knowledge that translated more than 30 years combined have added fire power to the team.
Namibian international Kamatuka is the impelling force behind City’s rampart attack. He is the team leading goal-scorer with 12 goals followed by Gamaldien with 5 goals.
Sunday’s opponents Leopards are also on the impressive run of their own. Rising from the second tier obscurity to the championship playoffs since the arrival of ‘’prodigal son’’ Joel ‘’The Prophet’’ Masutha in March. The Thohoyandou side has done exceptionally well under the mentorship of Masutha. When the well travelled Masutha took over from Zeca Maques the team was perched on 8th position. Currently,
Lidoda Duhva are on 4th position with 44 points from 28 matches. A win for Leopards could lift the team to a playoffs spot.
In spite going down 2-1 to fellow playoffs contenders Casric Stars last weekend, Lidoda Duhva showed class and determination throughout the proceedings. Before, the loss the Limpopo team had gone 6 matches without a loose. They won 4 and drew 2. Masutha’s side will rely on old campaigners as striker Mwape Musonda the veteran midfielder Lucky ‘’Sheriff’’ Baloyi, defender Thendo Mukumela and Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali, to unlock the unyielding City’s defence.
Though it won’t be a free sailing for City, the Durban outfit will relish winning this encounter to boost the ambition of returning to the Betway Premiership next season. However, Leopards will also put up a gutsy performance as they are also gunning for a spot in the mini-league playoffs to determine a second team to be promoted to the elite league.
Here is the full fixture for Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Baroka FC vs Pretoria Callies FC, Global Village, Lebowakgomo.
Venda FC vs Casric Stars, Thohoyandou Stadium,Venda.
Pretoria University FC vs Upington City, Tuks Stadium ,Pretoria.
Hungry Lions FC vs. Cape Town Spurs, Mxolisi Dicky Jacob Stadium, Upington.
JDR Stars vs Orbit College FC ,Soshanguve Giant Stadium, Pretoria. Highbury vs Kruger United ,Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth.
Leruma United vs Milford, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Pretoria. All the matches will be played on Sunday, Kickoff 15:00.
