The second crucial Promotion/Relegation Play-off fixture takes place on Sunday afternoon in Giyani where Black Leopards host Milano United, who have already dropped valuable points following their goalless draw with Polokwane City in Cape Town.

Leopards’ assistant coach, Joel Masutha, having analysed that game with interest, believes “it’s going to be one hell of fight against a very physical and strong side” but is confident his side can pick up all three points. 

“Those Milano boys motivate us,” he told Soccer-Laduma. 

“They never give up, run the whole 90 minutes so we’re expecting a very, very difficult match. I saw their art and ability to use the counter attack which was their main strength. 

“They like to be as compact as possible, know how to waste time and all those things but I think we have a chance.

“As a football playing team we’re ready, are prepared for anything, and will be very calm in our approach. We don’t need a draw, will try to do our best to win. I believe we can make a return to the PSL.” 

But Masutha’s counterpart, Kamaal Sait is also upbeat about Milano’s chances following their performance against Pokokwane.

“You could see the gap between ourselves and City,” said Sait. 

“But Leopards are nothing special to what we are.  Even though it’s an away game they are one team I know we can beat. This is our third match against them, we lost 2-1 in the first round before our recent 2-0 home win. So I think if we play a little more offensive, without being silly or stupid that will benefit us. 

“The one thing about our players is that they know how to play in tournaments. The Cape Flats are full of them.  I’m therefore hoping Milano take this mentality into the match. 

“Having come away with a point against a better Polokwane team, where we could even have sneaked a win, let’s see what happens.”