12 March 2018 – As the race for the SAFA ABC Motsepe League reaches fever pitch, Phiva Young Stars are emerging as firm favourites in Mpumalanga to win the title and make it to the national play-offs set to take place later this year.
Currently leading the log by 10 points, Phiva need three more wins from five matches to wrap up the season with 73 points, as second placed TS Sporting can only get to 72 points if they are to win their remaining five matches.
Phiva’s win away to Mhluzi Black Rangers took them to 67 points, while Sporting’s victory over Nkomazi Real Aces saw them jump to 57 points. Third placed Mlambo Royal Cubs are mathematically out of the running, leaving the race between Phiva and Royal Cubs.
North West has three teams vying for the title, as Polokwane City Rovers and Palmeiros FC are pushing leaders Buya Msuthu until the end. Buya Msuthu lead the standings with 61 points from 21 matches, while second placed Rovers are on 48 points from 21 games, with Palmeiros third with the same number of points and games as Rovers.
Msuthu improved their lead at the top with a slender 1-0 victory over Matlosana United, while Rovers cut the lead with a 3-0 victory over Platinum Stars development. Palmeiros beat Tigane Chelsea 2-1 to remain within touching distance of leaders Msuthu.
The Gauteng ABC Motsepe League got more tense this past weekend when African All Stars shocked log leaders Maccabi FC with a 1-0 victory. That means Maccabi are still on 51 points with five matches left until the end of the season.
JDR Stars took advantage of Maccabi’s slip, beating Vaal Professionals 3-0 to cut the lead down to just three points. JDR are now looking at equalling Maccabi’s tally at the top as they have a game in hand. All Stars’ win over Maccabi helped their cause as it brought them into the running along with fourth placed Dondol Stars.
Umvoti still lead the KZN ABC Motsepe League with 55 points from 22 games, with Ashley behind them on 47 points from 23 matches.
In Limpopo, the Dolphins are within touching distance of the league title as they lead the table by 61 points, with four games left. The teams closest to them, Boyne Tigers are second on 52 points.
Steenberg United are chasing log leaders ACE FC, who are leading the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League by seven points. Steenberg, who lost to Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup this past Saturday, have two games in hand and should they win them, they will trail ACE by a point with seven matches left.