The wait is over. The Motsepe Foundation Championship league programme for the 2025/26 soccer season kicks off this weekend. One of Thohoyandou's sides, Black Leopards, will begin their campaign with a home match against Casric Stars at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Black Leopards chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela has indicated that the team wants to start the season "with a bang" and prove to supporters that they are serious about promotion. He added that Lidoda Duvha have a score to settle with Casric Stars, who beat them both home and away last season.
Leopards parted ways with several regular players at the end of last season. Those whose contracts were not renewed on 30 June include Rafic Namwera, Lucky Baloyi, Tebogo Makobela, Tshepo Matsimbi, Siphelele Magubane, Tumelo Makha and goalkeeper Mashudu Makhavhu.
Thidiela confirmed that these departures have been addressed with new signings, while several senior players will continue to carry the Leopards' colours. Among those staying on are Amukelani Chauke, Thendo Mukumela, Thabana Mabena and Donald Makgetlwa.
Venda Football Club will open their season with an away fixture against Cape Town City at the Athlone Stadium.
Other weekend fixtures are Milford FC vs Lerumo Lions, The Bees vs Baroka FC, Upington City vs Kruger United, Highbury vs University of Pretoria, and Gomora United vs Leicesterford City FC.