Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup has been relegated from the ABC Motsepe League.
By: Refilwe Sebola
The Bolobedu side, Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup, has been relegated from the ABC Motsepe League after just one season, despite securing an impressive 4-0 victory over Musina United at Mamanyoha Stadium last weekend.
In their final home match of the season, Syrup delivered an unforgettable performance, dominating fifth-placed Musina United with style and flair. However, their celebrations were short-lived when news came in from Polokwane that fellow relegation contenders, Black Leopards, achieved a surprising 2-1 win over Nkowankowa Continental.
This result propelled Black Leopards to 17 points, five points clear of Syrup, who now sit at 12 points with only one match remaining. Even if Syrup were to win their final match of the season against Selwane White Vultures and Leopards lose to title challengers Mpheni Defenders, the five-point gap means Syrup is mathematically relegated.
The final-day scenario had seemed to favor Syrup, especially considering the odds against Black Leopards pulling off a victory over Continental. However, a spirited performance by the Polokwane-based side ensured their survival, leaving Syrup with no path to safety.
This is a bitter blow for the newly-promoted Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup, who will return to the Hollywoodbets League after a challenging but ultimately unsuccessful debut season in the ABC Motsepe League.
Their last fixture, an away game against Selwane White Vultures, now presents an opportunity to end the campaign on a high note and mentally prepare for the difficult journey ahead—a renewed effort to regain promotion.
For Syrup, the aspiration of climbing South Africa’s footballing hierarchy is not over yet. But for now, it is a time for reflection, regrouping, and strategizing for another attempt at the ABC Motsepe League.