Continuing their proud tradition, Mpheni Defenders have once again qualified to represent Limpopo in the national ABC Motsepe League play-offs after beating Ngwabe City Motors 1-0 in the provincial final at Seshego Stadium on Saturday.
After being crowned Limpopo champions, Defenders received R100,000, a trophy and gold medals. City Motors, as runners-up, received R60,000 and silver medals.
The Vhembe-based Defenders finished top of Stream A, while City Motors were crowned champions of Stream B. Following Saturday’s victory, Defenders will now represent Limpopo in the national play-offs to be held in the Eastern Cape from 1 to 7 June. The two top teams at the tournament will secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The victory comes at an important time for Limpopo football after the province lost two teams, Baroka FC and Black Leopards, who were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe League this season.
Defenders will head to the national play-offs hoping to restore Limpopo’s presence in the second tier by securing promotion. It will be the third time the club has participated in the national play-offs after failing to gain promotion in their previous two attempts.
Defenders coach Vhutshilo Phuravhathu praised his players for their commitment and dedication throughout the season. According to Phuravhathu, the team’s success can be attributed to the unity shown by the players, management and technical staff.
“There was teamwork among the players, management and the technical staff, and that made the job easier throughout the long season,” said Phuravhathu.
He also thanked the club’s management and supporters for backing the team throughout the league campaign and provincial play-offs.
Phuravhathu added that the team would play several friendly matches as part of their preparations for the national play-offs. “We feel fully prepared for the challenge ahead,” he said.