The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. Teams affiliated with the Motsepe Foundation Championship League are gearing up for the opening matches of the new season, set to take place throughout the country this weekend.
One of the two teams based in Thohoyandou, Venda FC (VFC), will kick off their league campaign with a home match. VFC is set to host JDR Stars at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
VFC's head coach, Mr Joel Masutha, holds high hopes for his team's performance in the new season. He said that they had been preparing by playing several rehearsal games against DStv Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship League sides in recent weeks to gauge their readiness.
Based on their performance in the friendly games, Masutha is confident that his team is well prepared for the season ahead. VFC has bolstered its squad with the signing of 18 new players. Notable signings include Moeketsi Sekola, Thabiso Nkoana, Kenneth Nthatheni, and Matimu Tshabalala. Sekola and Nkoana played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC last season, while Nthatheni and Tshabalala donned Black Leopards' colours until the end of the previous season.
In other matches this weekend, Black Leopards will face Pretoria Callies at TUT Stadium in Pretoria, kicking off the season with an exciting fixture. Baroka FC will engage in a Limpopo derby against Magesi FC at Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo. Casric Stars will take on Marumo Gallants at Giyani Stadium.
The rookie team, Orbit College FC, are scheduled to meet Platinum City Rovers at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Additional weekend fixtures include NB La Masia vs. Upington City, Maritzburg United vs. Milford FC, and Hungry Lions vs. University of Pretoria FC.