After failing to impress supporters in their first three league games, Black Leopards face another challenge this weekend as they go up against another Limpopo-based team, Magesi FC, in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.
Black Leopards, also known as Lidoda duvha, have managed to secure only one point in their league account from three matches. They played to a goalless draw against Pretoria Callies at the TUT Stadium in Pretoria in their opening match. Upon returning home, they suffered a 0-1 loss to Casric Stars at the Thohoyandou Stadium. Their second defeat came at the hands of Orbit College FC, who defeated them 2-0 at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria last Sunday.
While Black Leopards are still searching for their winning combination, Magesi have demonstrated their intentions in their first three games. They are currently sitting in third place on the league standings with seven points, just two points behind the leaders, Orbit College.
Black Leopards' centre-back, Mokone Mereko, will watch Saturday's game against Magesi from the grandstand because of his expulsion during their match against Orbit College. Players such as Sanele Zulu, Tshepo Matsimbi, and Amukelani Chauke will be expected to fill the gap in the absence of Mereko.
If Black Leopards fail to secure a win against Magesi on Saturday, and the top two teams win their matches, gaining promotion to the DStv Premiership Division at the end of this season could become a challenging task for the Thohoyandou side.
Other weekend fixtures include Pretoria Callies vs JDR Stars, Casric Stars vs Hungry Lions, Marumo Gallants vs Milford FC, Upington City vs Orbit College, Venda Football Club vs Platinum City Rovers, Baroka FC vs Maritzburg United, and University of Pretoria vs NB La Masia.