Thohoyandou Stadium is expected to be packed when Black Leopards host Hungry Lions in their Motsepe Foundation Championship match on Sunday afternoon. Leopards’ position at the bottom of the log is likely to spur on their loyal supporters.
The match will be a baptism of fire for newly appointed co-coaches Sundra Govinder and Duncan Lechesa, who joined the Thohoyandou outfit last Monday.
Lechesa, the former Marumo Gallants mentor, said they were fully aware they had taken over a side fighting to avoid relegation. However, he believes the remaining 13 matches offer enough opportunity to turn things around. Lidoda Duvha are rooted at the bottom of the standings with 12 points, while Hungry Lions occupy fifth position with 29 points.
Hungry Lions head coach Henry Basie said his team aimed to build on their 2-0 victory over Leopards in the first-round encounter at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on 25 January. The visitors will, however, have to work hard to contain Leopards’ attacking threats, including Sydney Fakude, Bethuel Muzeu and Thabana Mabena.
Elsewhere, Venda Football Club will face Kruger United at Kanyamazane Stadium outside Mbombela in one of two matches scheduled for Friday afternoon. Other fixtures include Casric Stars vs The Bees FC, Highbury FC vs Gomora United, Milford FC vs Midlands Wanderers and Lerumo Lions vs Cape Town City.