After their 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Sunday, Mpheni Defenders are shifting their focus to two crucial ABC Motsepe League encounters. They travel to Polokwane on Sunday to face Black Leopards at the Polokwane Training Centre Grounds, before taking on high-flying Vondwe XI Bullets at Makonde Stadium next Wednesday.
Failure to secure maximum points in these matches could jeopardise their promotion hopes. Defenders are currently sixth on the log with 20 points from 11 matches, two games behind log leaders Vondwe XI Bullets.
Their clash with Black Leopards is expected to be a tough one as Leopards are battling relegation. They sit second from the bottom with 10 points from 13 matches, having won only two games this season. Defensively vulnerable, Leopards have conceded 21 goals while scoring just 12. Defenders will look to Lufuno Mulaudzi, Gift Nemutandani, and Rophney Hlongwane to lead their attack.
Wednesday's fixture against Vondwe XI Bullets presents an even greater challenge. Bullets have lost just one of their 13 matches so far. Phathutshedzo Nemagovhani and Mulamuleli Netshidzivhe will be key players for the log leaders.
In other ABC Motsepe League fixtures on Sunday, Maruleng Celtic host White Vultures at Mankoko Stadium outside Hoedspruit. Celtic defied expectations last weekend by holding United Artists to a goalless draw. Meanwhile, Royal Pirates face Lebash Football Academy at Mapodile Stadium in Mokopane, and Sunrise FC meet Mohlabile United at Mahwelereng Stadium.