ABC Motsepe League stream A league log.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Mopani’s ABC Motsepe League representatives endured a frustrating opening weekend in Limpopo Stream A, with none of the district’s teams managing to register a victory.
Last season’s runners-up Tzaneen United were among the biggest casualties after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Goue Seuns, while Nkowankowa Continental and Baduzah Celtics also began their campaigns with defeats. Selwane White Vultures were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted ABC FC.
Tzaneen United’s defeat was particularly disappointing for a side expected to challenge strongly for promotion after finishing second last season.
The match was the second official game in charge for the coaching trio of Ludwick Tshamano Raselaya, Thabiso Msongelwa and Oruel Sambo. Their first assignment ended in defeat in the Nedbank Cup preliminary round.
With promotion the objective this season, the pressure will now increase on the trio to quickly turn the team’s fortunes around.
Nkowankowa Continental also endured a difficult start, going down 2-1 away to Mukondeni Young Chiefs in Venda.
The Nkowankowa-based side struggled for much of last season and only secured their ABC Motsepe League status towards the closing stages of the campaign.
Coach Timmy Mashele, together with then co-coach Peace Khosa, played a key role in rescuing the club from its relegation battle.
Mashele remains in charge and has reportedly been given the ambitious mandate of securing promotion this season. However, the target has been questioned by some football pundits, who believe it is an unreasonable expectation considering the club’s struggles last season.
The experienced coach will now be expected to draw on his knowledge of the division to turn things around quickly.
In Phalaborwa, Baduzah Celtics suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Vondwe XI Bullets, who are coached by experienced tactician Stanley Bingo Kgatla.
Celtics had ambitions of acquiring NFD status this season, but their league campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were beaten in front of their home supporters.
Selwane White Vultures were the other Mopani side in action, but they could only manage a 0-0 draw against newly promoted ABC FC.
ABC FC have Owen Da Gama at the head of their technical team, bringing considerable experience to the newly promoted side.
With Phalaborwa United suspended, the remaining Mopani representatives were unable to produce a win on the opening weekend.
Meanwhile in Venda, defending champions Mpheni Defenders were held to a 1-1 draw by Ramahantsha Blackpool.
The result represents an early setback for the defending champions, who are accustomed to making strong starts to their campaigns. They will now look to their second league fixture to get their title defence back on track.
For Mopani’s teams, however, the opening weekend has provided an early warning. With promotion ambitions among several clubs, they will need to start collecting points quickly to avoid allowing the early pace-setters to gain significant ground.