The 2023/24 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs officially kicked off on Tuesday, 18 June at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington, Northern Cape.
All nine provincial winners of the ABC Motsepe League came into this competition highly motivated. However, some faced circumstances that might have affected them.
Each team is eyeing a place in the final, where the top two teams will be promoted to the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season.
The SA football governing body [SAFA] will be delighted to have started the playoffs without interruptions and match officials doing exceptional work.
In the first game of the day, Kruger United of Mpumalanga secured a 1-0 win over the hosts NC Professionals in Group C.
The second fixture produced yet another mouthwatering showdown, with Highbury FC of the Eastern Cape beating Mangaung Unite 1-0 in Group B.
In the last game of the day, Mpheni Defenders of Limpopo drew with the Tshepo Motsoeneng-coached side Njampela FC. The KwaZulu-Natal side played out to a 2-2 stalemate in Group A.
‘EXPERIENCE COUNT’: COACH VUSI MKHATSHWA
Kruger United coach Vusi Mkhatshwa explained how having experienced players is key. He got players such as Roggert Nyundu and Simphiwe Hlongwane in the ABC Motsepe League national playoffs. United won 1-0 in their first match against hosts NC Professionals.
“I think experience is going to count. We got plenty of experienced players, it’s just that their names are not there yet [big names],” said Mkhatshwa.
“We got ABC Motsepe League experience, NFD experience, and DStv Premiership experience. So, we got enough experience to handle every situation.”
The journey for promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship continues tomorrow – Wednesday with more fascinating fixtures.
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