9 January 2019 – After what seemed like a never-ending festive break, the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League makes a welcome return on Thursday, 10 January 2019 as third-placed Mikhado travel to eighth-placed Polokwane Academy.
Following a delayed kick-off of the 2018/19 season, the league went to the festive break with only half of the first round games played with Polokwane United leading the pack with 16 points from seven games.
United will continue with a search of their first-ever Limpopo ABC Motsepe League title with a clash against cross-town rivals Great North in a Seshego Derby on Friday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Second-placed Barracah Valley, who are enjoying a fine debut season after purchasing Molemole Academy’s status will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to eight games when they host the 2015/16 champions Magesi at Ga-Mafefe Sports Complex on Saturday.
Barracah’s only loss of the season was a 2-0 defeat at the hands defending champions The Dolphins in the opening day of the season. From there, they went on to register four wins and three draws in their next seven games.
Meanwhile, The Dolphins will welcome one of the oldest teams in the division in Mighty FC. Mighy Tjale’s men only won two of their opening eight fixtures and looks set for a long battle of survival for the remainder of the season.
Saturday’s mid-table clash between Pusela City and Sekhukhune-based Ditlou is arguably the most interesting fixture of the weekend.
City is one of the four teams who are in their debut campaign alongside Barracah Valley, Tshakhuma R/O na Ndilani FC (TRON) and Ollesdas. City was promoted via the provincial playoffs as runners-up to TRON and many thought the two teams will be fighting to avoid relegation this season.
Oruel Sambo and his boys are punching above their weight after recording only one defeat in their opening seven games and only trailing the league leaders by four points.
In Ditlou, they face a very much rejuvenated side under the guidance of the former Kaizer Chiefs defender Rodney Thobejane. After narrowly surviving relegation last season, Ditlou seems set to compete for a top-eight spot if not a playoff spot.
Click here to view the full weekend fixtures and latest league table.