WeeklySA_AdminSURVIVAL: They face wounded Leopards who might just prove unyielding on the day…
By Masoja Cele
Two former Premiership sides University of Pretoria FC and Black Leopards FC are set to clash in the first round of the Motsepe Foundation Championship today at Tuks Stadium, Pretoria. Kick-off is at 15:00 on Sunday.
Now under the mentorship of former SuperSport United development gaffer Kwanele Kopo, Tuks are eyeing a return to the top tier league. The Hartfield- based side reached the PSL national promotion playoffs back in 2021the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons.
This season, they released their long-time head coach Tlisane Motaung and replaced him with the more experienced coach Kopo. In his first official fixture Kopo led AmaTuks to a 1- all draw at Highbury last weekend. A home win against Leopards will significantly boost the team’s confidence for the forthcoming matches. In search of all three points on Sunday coach Kopo’s charges will have to bring in a much more convincing performance than the previous week.
The Tshwane outfit bolstered their attacking department with the acquisition of veteran striker Prince Nxumalo from JDR Stars. The former Ajax Cape Towner had a brilliant debut against Highbury scoring the solitary goal for his new employers. Other new arrivals at AmaTuks are former Orlando Pirates midfielder Abel Mabaso, defensive midfielder Bantu Chingi (JDR Stars), goalkeeper Tokollo Makgolane (Sekhukhune United), attacking midfielder Luvuyo Phewa (Durban City) centre back Vusi Sibiya (Marumo Gallants), centre back Lesego Sebetlela (Casric Stars}, left winger Kamohelo Hoala (KF Trepca, Kosovo) andKosovo) and right winger Sifiso Mazibuko ( Chippa(Chippa United).
These are the players that coach Kopo believes could help the team to greater heights. However, Tuks will be still spoilt for choice as they have more talent in their camp. Players like long serving midfielder Samuel Julies and Thando Buthelezi could be a thorn in the flesh of the Leopards defence.
The 34- year-old Julies has served the beautiful game with distinction and integrity. The attacking midfielder has been with Tuks since the 2018/19 season. He was signed from neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns. The veteran player will be AmaTuks’s triumph card against Leopards.
AmaTuks will be facing the wounded Leopards who suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Casric Stars last weekend. Lidoda Dhuvha began the 2025/26 campaign on a disappointing note.
The Venda team management failed to assemble a full team against Casric Stars. They only managed to play with 10 men and used former under- 20 player Thendo Mukumela in goals. Lidoda Dhuvha were unable to register new signings for this campaign. The club has a transfer ban from FIFA due to the outstanding impasse involving Cape Town All Stars. After dropping to the ABC Motsepe League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Leopards bought the Motsepe Foundation Championship status of All Stars.
But it seems the Stars had an unresolved dispute with one of their players . After receiving the grievance letter from the player FIFA imposed the ban on All Stars who had already sold their franchise to Leopards.
It is now anybody’s guess if Leopards will be able to field a decent team against Tuks on Sunday.
Normally, it takes quite some time to resolve FIFA disputes. Nevertheless, ssthe fixture must go ahead as scheduled.
