LIMPOPO – With only five matches remaining in the current Motsepe Foundation Championship League season, teams are entering the final stretch with everything to play for – from promotion to the Betway Premiership Division to avoiding the dreaded drop.

Black Leopards are still very much in the race for promotion and remain optimistic about securing a spot in the promotional playoffs. Head coach Joel Masutha believes his team still has a strong chance to reach their goal, with 15 points still up for grabs. “We are still on course. Anything is possible at this stage.”

The Thohoyandou-based side currently sits in fifth position on the log with 38 points, just six behind log leaders Durban City.

What gives Leopards hope is the fact that three of their five remaining matches will be played at home, where they’ve enjoyed strong support from their fans. Their upcoming fixtures include Highbury (April 23 at Thohoyandou Stadium), Milford FC, Castric, Durban City, and the University of Pretoria.

Masutha reiterated that while their target remains winning the league and earning automatic promotion, they would be satisfied with a place in the promotional play-offs if direct qualification isn’t possible.

Meanwhile, fellow Vhembe-based club Venda Football Club (VFC) find themselves at the opposite end of the table, fighting to avoid relegation. The team face Kruger United in Mpumalanga next – a crucial encounter that could determine their fate.

Assistant coach Luvhengo Mungomeni remains positive despite the pressure. “We are confident in the current form of the team. We are determined to win all our home matches and aim to pick up at least a point in away games,” he said.

To survive the relegation battle, VFC need to win at least three of their remaining five matches. Their upcoming opponents include Highbury, Upington City, Leruma United, and Hungry Lions.