The much-awaited Motsepe Foundation Championship League match between Black Leopards and Venda Football Club (VFC) will take place at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon. While a win for Black Leopards would significantly revive their promotion hopes, the game is a matter of survival for the struggling VFC.
A victory for Lidoda Duvha on Saturday could propel them from eighth to fifth on the log standings. Meanwhile, VFC, also known as Maunavhathu, must secure a win at all costs to improve their chances of avoiding relegation.
At the time of our going to press, it was unclear whether Leopards' captain, Thendo Mukumela, would pass a late fitness test. Mukumela missed their match against Baroka FC due to an injury sustained during their home game against Milford FC on 7 December. If he makes the starting 11, Mukumela is expected to form a strong defensive combination with Tebogo Makobela and Siphelele Magubane.
VFC are currently at the bottom of the log with nine points, having won only two of their 14 matches so far. A victory against Black Leopards could see them climb two places on the standings. However, stopping VFC's strikers—Judas Moseamedi, Thabelo Tshikweta, and Rudzani Thobo—will pose a significant challenge for the Leopards' defence.
VFC will be led by their new head coach, Stanford Nkoane, on Saturday. Nkoane took over last week, following the departure of Vladislav Heric.
Other weekend fixtures include: JDR Stars vs Baroka FC, Leruma United vs Orbit College, Kruger United vs Highbury FC, University of Pretoria vs Milford FC and Cape Town Spurs vs Casric Stars.