Bloem Celtic to battle out with Mangaung Unite in provincial playoffs
The ABC Motsepe League midweek games produced a set of fascinating fixtures, with Bloemfontein Celtic and Mangaung Unite set to battle out in the provincial playoffs.
As always, goals and drama are what the SA third-tier league has delivered in the midweek fixtures.
Bloemfontein Celtic were declared SAFA Free State Stream A winners following their 2-2 draw with BFN Young Tigers at home on Wednesday, 20 March 2024.
Siwelele finished top of the table with 38 points, just a point ahead of second-placed D’General, who defeated the Central University of Free State 3-2 but that was not enough as Celtic needed a draw to win the stream. Both teams have each played 18 games.
Meanwhile, Mangaung Unite were crowned Stream B champions over the weekend with 38 points, six points ahead of second-placed Mathaithai FC. The two teams played a total number of 16 games each.
As a result, Siwelele will battle it out with Mangaung Unite for the provincial title and a spot in the national playoffs. Both sides will be hoping to go on and gain promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The date for the provincial playoffs is yet to be confirmed by the SAFA Free State.
OTHER TEAMS THAT HAVE QUALIFIED FOR PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS
In the North West, Army Rockets have won Stream A after their 2-0 win over Kgositile FC away from home a week ago. So far, Army Rockets have collected 36 points from 15 games. They are now left with one to spare.
On the other hand, Thames FC are Stream B winners having accumulated 33 points from 15 matches. They will play their last match against Taung Mega Stars at the weekend.
Army Rockets will take on Thames FC to determine who will represent the North West in the National Playoffs. The date for the provincial playoffs will be confirmed in due course.
Meanwhile, in other provinces teams continue to show their desire to finish top and qualify for the provincial playoffs.
EASTERN CAPE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE RESULTS
19 Tuesday 2024
STREAM A
Bush Bucks 1-1 Camdeboo Football Academy Development
Amavarara 0-3 FC Bufallo City Reletives
STREAM B
Bush Pirates 1-0 Matta Milan
Emi FC 0-2 Highbury
FC Siyanda 1-1 AmaMpondo United
Ayliff City 2-0 Seven Stars
FREE STATE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE RESULTS
20 Wednesday 2024
STREAM A
Peace Lovers 2-1 Super Eagles
Dikwena United 1-2 Dikgosi FC
FC Matjhabeng 0-2 Sibanye Golden Stars
D’General 3-2 Central University of Free State
Bloemfotein Celtic 2-2 BFN Young Tigers
GAUTENG ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE RESULTS
20 Wednesday 2024
Highlands Park 2 – 2 JBM
RELATED STORY: Drama unfolds in ABC Motsepe League playoff push