Mpheni Defenders and Ngwaabe City Motors will battle it out at Seshego Stadium on Saturday for the right to represent Limpopo in the national ABC Motsepe League promotional play-offs later this month.
Defenders secured the Stream A title, while City Motors topped Stream B to set up a high-stakes provincial decider. With Black Leopards and Baroka FC both relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Limpopo supporters will be hoping one of the two sides can restore the province’s presence in the second tier of South African football.
For Defenders, the occasion is familiar territory. Saturday’s clash marks their fourth consecutive appearance in the provincial play-offs. They have previously reached the national play-offs twice but failed to register a point. Last year, Limpopo did not have a representative in the national tournament after South African Football Association National suspended both Limpopo and the Western Cape for failing to submit teams.
City Motors, meanwhile, are entering uncharted waters. The club will be making its first appearance in a provincial promotional play-off, adding an extra layer of excitement to the encounter.
Defenders coach Mr Sidwell Phuravhathu said his side had used the extra preparation time wisely after completing their league campaign two weeks ago.
“The team is ready for the promotional play-off match, and the boys are looking forward to the event,” he said.
He called on supporters to rally behind the team and expressed confidence that Defenders would rise to the occasion.
“We are going to win the match and represent the province in the national play-offs,” he said.
Phuravhathu added that the club had strengthened its squad with experienced players this season to improve its chances of competing successfully at national level.