Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) have nothing to play for in their two remaining Motsepe Foundation Championship League fixtures. They will use the two matches as part of their preparations for a new life in the lower division.
Lidoda duvha and Vhadau Vha Damani were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League with their defeat in last weekend's matches. Unless something special happens, they will no longer play as professional teams next season.
Black Leopards lost 0-2 to Platinum City Rovers at the Vaal University of Technology Stadium last Saturday, while TTM suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Hungry Lions at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. The defeat means that Leopards are eight points behind the team that is in the third position from the bottom of the log, Platinum City Rovers, while TTM are seven points behind.
When speaking to a contingent of journalists shortly after the game, the head coach of Black Leopards, Mr Owen Da Gama, said that both the technical team and the management of the team had done everything within their power to save the team from relegation. He added that the fact that the team had squandered numerous scoring chances in the game was an indication that Saturday had not been their day.
The chairman of the team, Mr David Thidiela, requested to be given space, saying he was still battling to come to terms with the situation in which they found themselves. Realising that their case was almost hopeless, Mr Thidiela did not wait for the end of the game to leave the VUT Stadium last Saturday. Instead, he was spotted walking down the grandstand about 15 minutes before the end of the game.
Although this could not be confirmed, speculation is rife that Black Leopards are in the process of procuring another Motsepe Foundation Championship franchise and that negotiations to seal the deal were at an advanced stage. Informed sources mentioned that Mr Thidiela is negotiating with at least two clubs, one being a DSTV Premiership side. Mr Thidiela did not want to confirm any of these rumours when contacted earlier this week.
Black Leopards' two remaining fixtures are against Cape Town All Stars and Venda Football Academy (VFA). They will host Cape Town All Stars at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday. They will wrap up their league programme with a match against VFA at the same venue next Sunday, 14 May. TTM's remaining fixtures will be against University of Pretoria (away) and Baroka FC (home).