Hlahla Northern Bucks carry the hopes of Mopani in the Hollywoodbets Inter-Regional Playoffs, where promotion to the ABC Motsepe League is on the line.
By: Refilwe Sebola
The Hollywoodbets Regional League Inter-Regional Playoffs are finally ready to get underway this weekend after SAFA rescheduled the tournament following last week’s postponement.
SAFA confirmed the delay was necessary to finalise logistical arrangements, although there was also talk in football circles that the extra time helped clear up protest matters from certain regions.
With those issues now resolved, attention now shifts to the pitch as the playoffs take place on 1 and 2 August at Malamulele Stadium, where champions from five SAFA regions in Limpopo will battle it out for two coveted promotion spots into the ABC Motsepe League.
All eyes from Mopani will be on Hlahla Northern Bucs, who carry the district’s hopes when they open their campaign against ABC FC at 08:00 on Saturday.
The competition features Hlahla Northern Bucs, ABC FC, Sunrise Lite FC, Phinnet City FC, and M Mighty Blues FC, with every fixture expected to play a decisive role in the race for promotion.
Mopani arrives with a strong reputation for producing promoted sides and will be hoping Hlahla Northern Bucs can keep that tradition alive. In recent seasons, the district has proudly seen Emmanuel FC, Tzaneen United, Nkowankowa Continental, Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup, and Phalaborwa United all rise into the ABC Motsepe League.
That record has firmly established Mopani as one of Limpopo’s football powerhouses, and it now places added pressure on Hlahla Northern Bucs to deliver once again.
Saturday, 1 August Fixtures
– 08:00 – ABC FC vs Hlahla Northern Bucs
– 10:00 – Sunrise Lite FC vs Phinnet City FC
– 12:00 – M Mighty Blues FC vs ABC FC
– 14:00 – Hlahla Northern Bucs vs Sunrise Lite FC
– 16:00 – Phinnet City FC vs M Mighty Blues FC
Sunday, 2 August Fixtures
– 08:00 – Phinnet City FC vs ABC FC
– 10:00 – M Mighty Blues FC vs Hlahla Northern Bucs
– 12:00 – ABC FC vs Sunrise Lite FC
– 14:00 – Hlahla Northern Bucs vs Phinnet City FC
– 16:00 – Sunrise Lite FC vs M Mighty Blues FC
With only two promotion tickets on the line, there is no room for slip-ups. Hlahla Northern Bucs know that a strong start against ABC FC could set the tone for a defining weekend as they look to carry Mopani’s proud football legacy forward.