30 November 2017 – Very few leagues in the world can claim to be as competitive as the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape regions in the ABC Motsepe League.

The highlights of both leagues are two sides fighting for top spot, with goal difference the only way to determine who should sit on top.

It is in Natal that a three-horse race is ensuing, with top placed Natal United, second placed Ashley United and Umvoti all having enough to go top. All the three sides have won six of their eight games so far this season, all sitting on 19 points.

They have all draws their other match, with the remaining ending in defeat.

Nothing is different in Western Cape, where Steenberg United and Ace United are first and second respectively on 25 points each. They too cannot afford to rest on their laurels as Grassy Park is on 23 points, meaning a defeat by the top sides may see Grassy ascend to the top.

In Mpumalanga, Phiva Young Stars are at the top with 31 points from 11 matches, while Mlambo Royal Cubs are on 27 points, with Zone Mavo third on 22 points.

Buya Msuthu enjoys a four-point gap in the North West ABC Motsepe League, and this was because of their 2-1 win over Mathosana United. They are pushed by second placed Polokwane City Rovers, who are on 17 points.

There is another bitter battle in Gauteng, where Maccabi remain stubborn at the top of the log.

Mokete Tsotetsi’s men beat Dondol Stars 1-0, dropping them to fourth, as Maccabi jumped to 29 points from 12 games.  Dondol are now on 24 points, while second placed African All Stars are on 25 points.

Alexandra United are also on 25 points, occupying third spot.

The status quo remains the same in Free State, where usual suspects Tshiame All Stars top the group with 26 points from 11 matches after their narrow 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Young Tigers. Mangaung United, who are second on the log with 24 points sent a statement that they will fight when they beat Dikwena United 3-0.

Bloemfontein Celtic’s 1-0 loss to African Warriors saw them drop to third place on 23 points.