22 February 2019 – With just two months left of the 2018/19 Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League season, the relegation battle in the Mpumalanga leg of the ABC Motsepe League is underway.
With the league leaders Acornbush United looking all but set to have booked their place in the upcoming 2019 ABC Motsepe League National Play-Offs for the second time in three seasons, much of the attention now has been diverted to the bottom of the league table.
Mhluzi Black Rangers, who are currently rooted to the bottom of the league, have endured the worst start to the year 2019 – failing to win any of their seven Mpumalanga ABC League games since the New Year and look set for SAB League football next season.
Mhluzi will play host to eleventh-placed Somhlolo United who will be coming into this fixture fresh from a confidence boosting 1-0 win against Nkomazi Real Aces.The game will be played under the floodlights of the Keestaljaart Stadium in Middelburg with the kick off set at 18:00.
On Saturday, second last-placed FC Benfica will be visited by a hugely revitalized Nkomazi Royal Eagles who have finally found consistency following their tough start to the campaign. Royal Eagles’ current run of nine games undefeated has seen them force their way into the top half of the table, they are currently seventh, with 34 points accumulated in 21 games.
At two points above the relegation zone, there’s Gembok Classic and Nkomazi Real Aces tied at 17 points. They welcome Bushbuckridge Bohlabela United and Acornbush at Lubangeni Artificial Turf and Kamaqhekeza Stadium respectively.
Another interesting battle to look out for is the race to finish in a respectable top-half of the table, Lumoja (8th) and Bakone (9th) are the two teams currently at the heart of this race.
Lumoja’s 2-0 victory over Bakone a week ago at the fortress Kanyamazane Stadium saw them move three points clear ahead of their rivals.
Third-placed Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards will be looking to be the first team this season to walk away with maximum points from the Kanyamazane Stadium tonight when they visit Lumoja.
Bakone will be on the road on Sunday to battle with fourth-placed Barberton City Stars for the three points in the only Mpumalanga ABC League fixture of the day.
Click here to view the full Mpumalanga ABC League weekend fixtures and updated league table.