Leopards in first division playoffs

Premier Stan Mathabatha has congratulated Black Leopards Football Club on their hard-fought qualification to play in the National First Division (NFD) and promotional play-offs set for 16 May until 2 June.
Lidoda Duvha beat Jomo Cosmos 3-0 in an exciting final of the NFD at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday to qualify for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) status duel.
It will be the fifth time Leopards contest for PSL status in the play-offs since 2012/2013.
The club’s Managing Director, Tshifiwa Thidiela said they would put everything in the play-offs and strive for maximum points. “It is going to be difficult but we will fight and make sure we win all matches and return to the PSL,” Thidiela said.
In a media statement, Mathabatha noted that this year’s NFD season was particularly taxing as most teams and coaches in the division have experience in the PSL. “The team is assured of support and best wishes from all the people of Limpopo throughout the battle to reclaim the PSL status through the playoff system,” Mathabatha was quoted to have said.
Mathabatha reportedly also expressed his confidence in both Polokwane City Football Club and Baroka Football Club to retain their PSL status. “It is the Premier’s conviction that the retention of the two PSL statuses and the promotion of Black Leopards will contribute significantly to socio-economic development in local communities and the province,” the statement concluded.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com