Disappointment was evident in the Black Leopards camp this past week as the realisation dawned that the team would not be promoted this season. Despite winning their final match against the University of Pretoria, the result was not enough for the team to secure a place in the promotion zone.
Leopards' hopes had been pinned on Hungry Lions' beating Casric Stars. However, that was not to be as Casric Stars secured a 2-1 victory at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Siyabuswa—enough to seal their spot.
Lidoda Duvha finished the season in fourth place with 46 points, just one behind third-placed Casric Stars. The champions of the Motsepe Foundation Championship gain automatic promotion to the top flight, while the second- and third-placed teams qualify for the promotional play-offs.
Casric Stars will now compete in the play-offs, which kick off next Tuesday, 27 May. The final play-off match is scheduled for Saturday, 14 June.
Speaking to a group of journalists after the game, Leopards head coach Joel Masutha said his team had done their part and that the outcome of the Casric Stars and Hungry Lions match was beyond their control.
Masutha declined to comment on the outstanding disciplinary case involving pace-setters Durban City and JDR Stars. JDR Stars had lodged a protest regarding an allegedly improperly registered player, Saziso Magawana, fielded by City. If the protest had been upheld, City could have lost 45 league points, which would have dropped them into the relegation zone.
The league's disciplinary committee dismissed the case on Tuesday evening, confirming Durban City as the official champions of the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season.
In Sunday's match against the University of Pretoria, AmaTuks took the lead when Kgomotso Mosadi beat the keeper with a half-volley nine minutes before the break. Lidoda Duvha equalised through Bethuel Muzeu, and captain Thendo Mukumela netted the winner in referee's optional time.