25 November 2019 – South Africa’s all-important third-tier ABC Motsepe League was in full swing this past weekend as teams across the nation took aim at provincial titles and vital play-off spots with certain clubs also attempting to avoid dreaded relegation.
In the Eastern Cape, leaders Matta Milan consolidated their top spot with a 5-0 hammering away to Bush Pirates. PE Stars also kept up the pressure in the race for the title with a 6-2 demolition of Bizana Pondo Chiefs and now sit a mere point behind their rivals. At the other end, Bisho Stars F.C couldn’t make home advantage count and suffered yet another loss. They remain in last place.
The Free State also produced goals galore as the top two clubs Super Eagles and Mangaung Unite continuing their winning ways. Bottom club Lijabatho FC suffered a 3-1 loss to Caledon United FC to reignite relegation fears. There were also notable victories for De General FC and Dikwena United FC.
Gauteng province offered more out-of-the-ordinary football as the leading team stumbled and hence failed to gain any sort of ascendancy. Orange Vaal Professional FC saw their lead cut to just three points as they lost 1-0 away to a plucky Pretoria Callies who sit 4th on the log. Relegation-threatened Remember Elite Sports Academy continued their woeful run with another loss while there was also disappointment for Pele Pele FC and AJ Alexandra United FC.
The KwaZulu-Natal edition saw Dabeka Sporting edge further ahead at the top with a gritty away win against Movers at Wadley Stadium on Saturday while 15th placed Edendale Juventus and GWP Friends also enjoyed solid wins. It is going to be an interesting round of fixtures next weekend as teams once again jostle for positions.
The Limpopo leg of the competition was just as exciting as leaders Magesi put on yet another professional performance, this time downing Berracah Valley FC 3-0 away from home comforts, to increase their lead to 5 points at the top. The in-form club now have 24 points from 11 completed games with Venda Football Academy occupying 2nd spot. The Dolphins FC and Polokwane United played out to an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Mpumalanga saw all eight fixtures taking place on Saturday, 23 November, as leaders FC Sivutsa NPC and Bakone FC both grabbed vital wins while relegation-bound Toronto FC were again embarrassed at home to mid-table VOC United FC. Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards FC and Secunda M Stars FC also enjoyed narrow 1-0 wins.
In the North West of the country, leaders Polokwane City Rovers were held to a surprise goalless draw at home to a tough Orbit College while Allys Tigers FC, Buya Msuthu and Tigane United FC all ground out tense 1-0 wins.
The Northern Cape also proved to be an interesting province to keep an eye on this weekend as Kakamas Sundowns and Rasta Fa Eagles FC kept the pressure on each other by both winning their respective games. Each club now has 20 points from ten matches with only goal difference splitting the two. Hot on their heels though are Hungry Lions FC who are a point back with a game in hand.
The Western Cape region, never to be outdone, produced all sorts of drama as Zizwe United relinquished top spot to Norway Parks Magic FC with a disappointing draw at home to FN Rangers. Glendene United joined the top two with 15 points after a brilliant 2-1 away win at Young Pirates FC. Ajax Cape Town also enjoyed a rare win.
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