28 June 2021 – Hosts FC Sivutsa NPC kicked off their 2020/21 ABC Motsepe national play offs with an impressive 2-1 win over Northern Cape’s Hungry Lions on the opening day of the annual play offs in Nelspruit’s Kanyamazane Stadium on Monday.
Goals from Brite De Lange and Mokibelo Ramabu gave the home side the crucial 3 points and a good platform to build from.
It was not a good beginning however for Eastern Cape’s BCM Stars who lost 1-0 to Platinum City Rovers while Mangaung Unite overcame Umvoti FC 2-1 in another match of the day.
Mangaung Unite took the lead on the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Sizwe Mkhwanazi. Umvoti FC fought back in the second half and were rewarded when striker Sandile Goqo finished clinically in the 58th minute from close range to set up a tense finish.
However, Mangaung Unite had the last laugh when Vuyisile Wana scored the winner in the 78th minute from a swift counter attack.
SAFA’s Competitions Committee member, Mr Brains Zulu was very impressed with the standard of football displayed on Day 1 of the National play offs.
“We witnessed some beautiful, fast paced and exciting football today. I believe the winner of this year’s tournament will have to push very hard for the title as all teams are hungry to win this title and gain promotion to the National First Division (NFD),” said Zulu.
The two finalists of the ongoing play offs will gain automatic promotion to the GladAfrica Championships for the 2021/22 season.
The final will be played on Saturday, 3 July 2021 at Mbombela Stadium.