Black Leopards’ relegation fears deepened after their 1-0 defeat to Milford FC at Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday, leaving them needing nothing short of a miracle to retain their Motsepe Foundation Championship status.
With only three matches remaining, Leopards must win all their fixtures and hope that either The Bees FC or Lerumo Lions drop points to avoid the relegation axe. Even that may not be enough, given the tight standings at the bottom of the log.
The cruelty of football was evident in Saturday’s defeat, as Leopards dominated large parts of the match but failed to convert their chances — a reality that hit hard at the final whistle, with some players seen weeping openly on the pitch. Menzi Chili scored the decisive goal late in the first half to hand Milford the win.
One of the team’s co-coaches, Duncan Lechesa, said it was difficult to accept the result after his side had dictated play from start to finish.
He said the players had followed instructions, but the only thing missing was goals. Leopards, he added, could have scored at least three times in the first half, given the number of clear chances they created.
Lechesa acknowledged that the team now face a daunting task. “Everyone in the camp knows that the remaining fixtures will determine our future in the league,” he said, adding that they would approach their next match with a positive mindset despite the odds.
Leopards’ next assignment will be against log leaders Kruger United at Kanyamazane Stadium outside Mbombela on Saturday. Kruger United, who lead the standings with 55 points, need only two points from their remaining three matches to secure the title. They come into the fixture in confident mood after a 3-0 win over Baroka FC at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium last Sunday.
A quick glance at Leopards’ remaining fixtures suggests that collecting maximum points will be a formidable challenge.
Meanwhile, Milford FC strengthened their push for promotion with their victory over Leopards. Head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma said the points were crucial in keeping his side in the race for promotion play-offs, especially after their recent 1-0 loss to Venda Football Club.
Pupuma said his target was to win at least two of their remaining three matches to secure a play-off spot. Milford are second on the log with 47 points, eight behind Kruger United.