Black Leopards face a must-win clash when they host Highbury FC in a Motsepe Foundation Championship match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With time running out, Leopards need victories if they are serious about gaining promotion to the Betway Premiership at the end of the season.
Club chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela said the transfer ban imposed on Leopards by FIFA would not derail their efforts against Highbury. He said they were still waiting for feedback from the world body after submitting the necessary documents, but stressed the team had "an obligation to win matches despite all the odds."
History favours Leopards. Highbury are still to record a league win against Lidoda Duvha. The sides drew 1-1 in their first-round fixture at Gelvandale Stadium in Port Elizabeth last season, before Leopards secured a 2-1 victory in the return match at Thohoyandou Stadium on 23 April.
The front-line combination of Mwape Musonda, Kamogelo Ngwane and Namibian international Bethuel Muzeu could prove decisive for Leopards, who will be wary of a strong Highbury side. Highbury are fourth on the log with nine points, four behind leaders Casric Stars.
Venda Football Club will be away to face Lerumo United at Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg. Other weekend fixtures are Cape Town City vs Leicesterford City, Baroka FC vs Milford FC, Hungry Lions vs Kruger United, University of Pretoria vs Casric Stars, The Bees vs Upington City, and Midlands Wanderers vs Gomora United.