WeeklySA_AdminJOY AND PAIN:Platinum City Rovers relegated while Tuks, Baroka FC and JDR Stars still pursue the elusive opportunity to the national play-offs
By Masoja Cele
It has been a dark period for Platinum City Rovers. With only two seasons in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Rovers have been relegated to the ABC Motsepe League (third tier) with one more match to play.
The North West Province outfit had a disastrous campaign in the office and in the field. Head coach Tlou Segolelo was recently sacked after a series of poor results. The former Orlando Pirates speedy winger was roped in to replace his predecessor Nkosana Mabena. The playing personnel performed lacklustre display throughout the season. Even though they fought a gallant fight against Maritzburg United (0-0) last Sunday, it was a matter of too little too late. Bakone farewell match to the championship will be a dead-rubber against Hungry Lions at Isak Steyl Stadium.
Nevertheless, Bakone will not flounder in relegation waters alone. Either, Milford FC or NB La Masia who are lying on positions fourteen and fifteen respectively could join Rovers in the wilderness of top flight football next season. Both teams are on thirty one points going to the last round on Sunday. La Masia were elevated to the second tier in 2021/22 season after winning the SAFA third division. The Westbury side will travel to Thohoyandou to face Black Leopards in a do or die battle. Should La Masia lose at Leopards and Milford FC win at home against Pretoria Callies then La Masia will kiss their place in the championship goodbye, vice-versa.
While Magesi had already guaranteed themselves a slot in the DStv Premier League next season, curiosity is intensifying as University of Pretoria, Baroka FC and JDR Stars still pursue the elusive opportunity to the national play-offs. The trio were in the same predicament last Sunday fighting for the qualification slot. But, the threesome failed as they all drew their respective important matches. Bakgakga BaMphahlele clocked a 1 all draw against JDR meanwhile AmaTuks also played to a 1-1 at Pretoria Callies.
Baroka and The Hammer Boyz are tide on forty six points while Tukkies sits on forty eight points. Unfortunately, only two teams from the championship qualify for the mini league play-offs, paired with one team relegated from the DStv Premiership.
The Limpopo side will face a daunting task against formidable AmaTuks at TUT Stadium, Pretoria and JDR are up against the fast improving Maritzburg United at Soshanguve Giant Stadium, Tshwane. The two intriguing fixtures will definitely produce the two teams to participate in the play-offs.
All other fixtures to be played on Sunday are:
Mareumo Gallants vsa Orbit College FC at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Pretoria.
Upington City vs Casric Stars at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, Upington.
Magesi FC vs Venda Football at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
All matches will start at 3pm.
