After collecting maximum points at the expense of Milford FC, whom they defeated 1-0 in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban last Sunday, Black Leopards face another steep challenge this Saturday. Lidoda Duvha must defeat Casric Stars at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Siyabuswa to put one foot in the promotional playoff bracket.
Should they manage to beat Casric Stars, Black Leopards will need at least two points from their last two matches to secure a spot in the playoffs. Currently in third place with 44 points, Leopards are three points ahead of Casric Stars. A draw against Casric Stars on Saturday will mean that Leopards must collect at least four points from their final two fixtures. Lidoda Duvha's remaining fixtures are against leaders Durban City and University of Pretoria.
Saturday's match will be the second consecutive home game for Casric Stars, who were held to a goalless draw by Cape Town Spurs at the same venue last Saturday. A defeat against Leopards will end their hopes of reaching the promotional playoffs this season.
Black Leopards' head coach, Joel Masutha, stated that their aim was to secure maximum points in their remaining matches. Under Masutha's guidance, Leopards are yet to lose a league match since he replaced Portuguese coach Zeca Marques about two months ago. Masutha has led the team to four victories and one draw.
Although it will be an away fixture, winning the match will not be easy for Leopards, as Casric Stars are formidable opponents at home. Breaking through Leopards' defence, marshalled by Tshepo Matsimbi, Siphelele Magubane, and Tebogo Makobela, will prove challenging for the Stars' attacking line.