Rangers FC’s 2–4 defeat to Mighty Heroes at the Alex Safe Hub on Sunday carried little weight in the standings, as the result proved more symbolic than consequential in the closing stages of the league campaign.

Rangers currently occupy the top position in the Hollywoodbets Regional League with 79 points, 11 points clear of second-placed Gomtown Boyz FC. With only two fixtures remaining before the end of the season, the six points left on offer are not enough for any team to topple Rangers.

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Even coach Dangamane Nkabini noted they have already seized the regional league’s victory in Johannesburg’s yellow stream. He said the main objective in their final fixtures is to prepare players for the playoffs.

Over the weekend, he fielded several players who had not enjoyed much game time this season. “I am trying to make sure that all the boys are on a similar level in terms of their fitness. You never know who we might need when we go to the playoffs.”

He admitted that the goal is to maintain their winning momentum. Although that was not the case on Sunday, he emphasised that every match now serves as preparation for the next stage of the competition. “We are looking ahead to the next stage. We have already wrapped up the regional league. Every game we play is preparation to ensure we don’t lose our momentum.”

He added that they cannot afford to drop points intentionally simply because the league title is secured.
Meanwhile, the 16th-placed Mighty Heroes were fighting hard to avoid relegation. Saturday’s victory gave them three crucial points to steer clear of the bottom two positions, though they remain dangerously close to the drop zone.

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With three fixtures left, Heroes still have a chance to collect nine points and potentially leapfrog Ma-Africa, provided that it falters in upcoming matches.

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