The Premier Soccer League has released the Motsepe Foundation Champion (MFC) fixtures for the 2025/26 season. The opening matches will be played over the weekend of 22 to 24 August.
One of the two Thohoyandou-based MFC clubs, Black Leopards, will kick off the new season with a home match. They will host Casric Stars at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, 23 August.
Black Leopards have a score to settle against Casric Stars. Last season, Leopards conceded league points to Casric Stars in both home and away fixtures. They were beaten 1-0 at home and lost 2-1 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
Although Black Leopards plan to announce new signings next week, most of last season's squad remain, including Siphelele Magubane, Donald Makgetlwa and Thabana Mabena.
Also on Saturday, the other local club, Venda FC, will travel to Cape Town to face Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium. Cape Town City were relegated from the Betway Premiership League at the end of last season, while Venda narrowly avoided relegation.
Leicester Ford City, who bought their MFC franchise from JDR Stars after last season, will travel to Pretoria's TUT Stadium to play Gomora United, who played in a lower division last season.
Highbury FC will face the University of Pretoria at Gelvandale Stadium in Gqeberha. Milford FC will also start the season with a home match, hosting Lerumo Lions at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban. Upington City and Kruger United will battle for points at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington.
Newly promoted Midlands Wanderers will welcome Hungry Lions at Harry Gwala Stadium in one of two fixtures scheduled for Sunday, 24 August. The other fixture will see The Bees play Baroka FC at Kanyamazane Stadium outside Nelspruit.