30 January 2018 – With the season reaching its half way mark, things in the SAFA ABC Motsepe League season have become quite interesting with teams showing the desire to finish top and qualify for the annual ABC Motsepe League Play Offs for a place in the National First Division.
Tshiame All Stars in the Free State have a narrow lead at the top with 36 points after 16 games with Mangaung United hot on their trails with 34 points.
Maccabi FC are strong contenders for the Gauteng title under the stewardship of newly appointed coach, Jabulani Mendu. The former Kaizer Chiefs star’s side is currently top of the log with 36 points with a game in hand over JDR Stars who are on the same number of points.
Meanwhile down in KwaZulu-Natal where last year’s Provincial Play Offs winners, Uthongathi FC come from, Umvoti FC are firing from all cylinders as they top the standings with 31 points. However, Ashley United are very much in the title race with 29 points from the same number of games.
Looking at the Limpopo Province, The Dolphins are very much in line to be crowned champions with an impressive seven-point gap over second-placed Great North FC. The Dolphins have amassed 42 points from 19 outings.
Phiva Youngsters boast 45 points from the Mpumalanga leg of the ABC Motsepe League, putting themselves in contention for title honours over Mlambo Royal Clubs who occupy second spot with 36 points.
Things are looking very interesting in the two streams of the Northern Cape. Kakamas Sundowns and Olympics FC are separated by a mere two points after eight matches in stream A.
United Rovers continue showing dominance in the Northern Cape having represented the province on a few occasions in the Nedbank Cup. They sit on 19 points, just ahead of Young Stars FC who are on 18.
Down in the Western Cape, ACE FC will need to be wary of the danger posed by Steenberg United. ACE lead the standings on 37 points but have two more games played compared to Steenberg who are on 34 points and could topple them should they win the two matches in hand.
Finally, Tornado FC seem to be well on their way to winning the Eastern Cape edition of the league. After 16 matches, Tornado sit comfortable at the top with 43 points, stretching their lead to an impressive 11-point lead over EC Bees who were made waves last year in the Nedbank Cup as well as the Play Offs.