Baptism of fire for Limpopo teams in PSL

Black Leopards FC of Thohoyandou continue to be pitted against traditional arch-rivals in the team’s embyo stage campaign of the multi-million rand Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Having beaten across-town neighbours Polokwane City 1-0 last weekend, the so-called Lidoda Duvha (Day Shall Come) now have an away date with Chippa United FC at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next Saturday 18 August.

But then the more interesting fixture for Black Leopards was the one scheduled for mid-week against Highlands Park at Ekurhuleni’s Makhulong Stadium on Saturday 18 August.

Black Leopards FC was forced to move the team’s home game against Polokwane City to Peter Mokaba Stadium, because of renovations taking place at Thohoyandou Stadium.

Head-to-head, Highlands Park FC has always dominated Black Leopards, beating the latter 2-1 in the first round of the National First Division (NFD), and 1-0 in the second round.

Highlands Park got automatic promotion into the elite league after being declared champions of the NFD, while Black Leopards had to fight it out against Jomo Cosmos FC and Platinum Stars FC in the NFD promotional play-offs.

While Black Leopards emerged proud winners against veteran PSL campaigners in Polokwane City, Highlands Park impressed even more with a hard-fought 1-all draw against Soweto giants, the mighty Orlando Pirates, one-time CAF Champions League winners.

The Limpopo Province was scheduled to stage another derby between Polokwane City and Baroka FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium, also next Saturday.

With Baroka FC losing 1-0 to Amazulu, and Black Leopards collecting three full points, the Thohoyandou lads still hold bragging rights to the best in Limpopo following the team’s shocking win
over Polokwane City.

— The BEAT