Time is fast running out for Venda Football Club (VFC). The team must collect at least 12 points from their six remaining league fixtures to avoid relegation at the end of the season.
VFC's first assignment will be to try to beat Hungry Lions when they meet in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both VFC and Hungry Lions are not yet safe from relegation.
Although they managed to beat Upington City 1-0 at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington last Saturday, Hungry Lions still need at least four points from their remaining fixtures to retain their Motsepe Foundation Championship League franchise. VFC, fondly known as Maunavhathu, are second from bottom with 23 points – two more than Leruma United.
The assistant coach of VFC, Mr Luvhengo Mungomeni, is adamant that the team will collect enough points to avoid relegation. He said the result of Saturday's game against Hungry Lions would give an indication of the team's fate.
VFC's first-choice goalkeeper, Samora Motloung, is likely to watch Saturday's game from the grandstand. He sustained a neck injury in the match against Black Leopards. Maunavhathu's strikers – Matimu Tshabalala, Judas Moseamedi and Francis Jesse – could cause an upset if not properly contained.
Black Leopards will be away to face Kruger United at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday afternoon. Log leaders Durban City will play against Highbury FC at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
The other weekend fixtures are Cape Town Spurs vs Orbit College, Milford FC vs University of Pretoria, Upington City vs JDR Stars, Pretoria Callies vs Leruma United and Casric Stars vs Baroka FC.