Four teams will battle it out at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday when the SAFA Vhembe Singo Fuel promotional play-offs reach their climax, with Berea FC, FC Basel, Ramahantsha Blackpool and ABC FC contesting the semi-finals to decide the Regional League’s overall champion.
ABC FC will face FC Basel at 09:00, while Ramahantsha Blackpool take on Berea FC at 11:00, with the two winners meeting in the final later that afternoon.
ABC FC coach Mashudu “Dunga” Nkhumeleni said his team had learnt valuable lessons during the league campaign and would adopt a different approach in the play-offs.
“The boys have to master the art of concentration and remain focused. I have prepared them mentally to avoid making simple mistakes,” he said.
Nkhumeleni added that his side would need to match their opponents’ intensity and make the most of their scoring opportunities to keep their promotion hopes alive.
FC Basel team manager Vhutshilo Makhado said the club viewed the play-offs as an opportunity to fulfil its long-standing ambition of becoming champions.
“There is a lot at stake in these play-offs, and it is time for us to fulfil our promises,” he said.
Berea FC manager Dakalo Ratshitangana said his side, which has reached the play-offs for a fourth consecutive year, was determined to go one step further.
“We are ready for the final battle. Winning this year’s play-offs will not only make us proud, but it will also make our community proud,” he said.
Ramahantsha Blackpool manager Desmond Murwamphiya said he was encouraged by his team’s performances this season and remained confident ahead of the semi-finals.
“Our preparations are going well, and my boys are looking forward to this challenge,” he said.
Murwamphiya added that his young squad would need to take their chances in front of the goal box if they hoped to progress.
“The players are young and relatively inexperienced, but they have played together for a few years and understand each other well. I can see them becoming more confident with each passing day,” he said.
Basel finished on top of Group A with nine points, with their only defeat coming against Berea FC. ABC won three of their four group stage matches, losing only 1-0 to Mahagala Young Stars.
This year’s champions will take home R100,000, the floating trophy and gold medals. The runners-up will receive R70,000 and silver medals, while the two teams eliminated in the semi-finals will each get R40,000.
The overall champions will go on to represent the SAFA Vhembe Regional League in the provincial promotional play-offs at Malamulele Stadium next weekend, on 25 and 26 July, where the top two teams will be promoted to the ABC Motsepe League.