Black Leopards’ decision regarding their SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League status has delivered an unexpected lifeline to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM], who were officially relegated to the Regional League just months after returning to competitive football.
TTM rejoined South Africa’s third tier in August 2025, two years after suffering demotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Although the club had previously sold its status to Mopani-based side Maruleng Celtic, TTM repurchased the franchise ahead of last season. However, their return proved difficult.
According to official correspondence issued to clubs on Friday, 7 August, by SAFA Limpopo, TTM’s relegation from the Motsepe League was confirmed. This was after they finished 11th in Stream A, with 19 points from 22 matches.
TTM were set for demotion to the Regional League alongside fellow Stream A struggle partners Gosebo United.
BLACK LEOPARDS STEP ASIDE FOR CAS CASE
The situation changed on Tuesday, 25 August, when SAFA Limpopo formally notified clubs that Lidoda Duvha will not compete in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League for the 2026/27 season.
The ruling is meant to grant Leopards time to resolve their ongoing legal battle with the Premier Soccer League [PSL]. The matter is currently handled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS].
Leopards’ decision leaves one vacant spot in the Limpopo third tier. SAFA Limpopo confirmed that the final slot will be decided in a play-off match. This play-off tie will be between the two relegated sides, TTM and Gosebo United.
The match will take place on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at the Oscar Mpetha Stadium, at the University of Limpopo.
![Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM] players lining up for a team picture](https://farpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Tshakhuma-Tsha-Madzivhandila-1200x683-1-1.jpg)
‘I’M NOT RELEGATED’: DAVID THIDIELA
Leopards chairman David Thidiela remains firm that his side should not be playing in the amateur ranks. He insists that their demotion was invalid.
“I was demoted two years ago unlawfully. The question today is: who banned Leopards and for what? I’m not relegated, and I’m not going to play in the ABC Motsepe League,” said Thidiela earlier this month when addressing members of the media in Johannesburg.
“The case is with CAS to decide — it isn’t for the PSL to have decided already. FIFA said there is no ban for us. The ban was over after we played four games. The league gave us the registration cards the same day we received the letter from FIFA on September 30.
“Before that, we wrote a letter to ask if we can register the young players from our academy. They [PSL legal] refused. On September 30, FIFA said Black Leopards are not banned — immediately the same day when I got a letter from FIFA, the league called us to say come and collect the cards.”
With Leopards stepping aside to focus on their matter at CAS, TTM now have a direct opportunity to retain their ABC Motsepe League status when they face Gosebo United this Sunday.
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