Vultures coach Lefuno Ndou.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Despite sitting third on the ABC Motsepe League Stream A table and having played more matches than their key rivals, Selwane White Vultures head coach Lefuno Ndou remains confident that his team can still clinch the championship.
The Vultures have accumulated 32 points from 19 matches, trailing table-toppers Munaca, who have 34 points from the same number of games. However, both clubs have played three games more than second-placed Vondwe XI Bullets and fourth-placed Mpheni Defenders, which could complicate their title ambitions. Nevertheless, Ndou believes the title race is still wide open.
“I know we’ve played more games, but this league is unpredictable,” Ndou said. “Vondwe and Mpheni still have tough matches ahead, and I don’t think they’ll collect maximum points.”
Ndou is counting on Vondwe XI Bullets dropping points in their upcoming clash against United Artists, a team that has consistently troubled them. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first round, and Ndou believes United Artists’ strong defense will pose challenges again.
“Vondwe always struggles against United Artists. It won’t be easy for them, especially now that every point counts,” he remarked.
Ndou also expressed skepticism about Mpheni Defenders’ chances of overcoming United Artists, citing their inconsistency this season. “Mpheni is not the same team as last season. I don’t see them beating Artists either.”
The Vultures coach highlighted Vondwe’s upcoming fixture against Musina United as another potential stumbling block. Their previous meeting was controversially abandoned, and Ndou believes if that match is replayed at Musina’s home ground, the outcome may not favor Vondwe.
“Musina is very strong this season, and they won’t be easily beaten. They’re still in the title race too, with 30 points from 18 games,” Ndou noted. “Even Munaca struggled against Musina.”
Ndou expressed his belief that the so-called “small teams” could significantly influence the championship outcome.
“Teams no longer focus on pretty football; it’s all about direct play now. This levels the playing field, and anyone can lose on any given day,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Ndou is focused on his team’s remaining fixtures and feels confident they can win them all. The Vultures will face struggling teams in their final three matches: Black Leopards, Maruleng Celtics (whom they previously beat 3-0 away), and bottom-placed Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup.
“My aim is to win the last three games and see what happens with the other teams,” Ndou concluded.
With three matches left and just two points off the top, Selwane White Vultures’ title hopes remain alive, and their coach believes the drama is far from over.