Chippa United has opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the National First Division following their narrow 2-1 win over Baroka FC, while victories for Black Leopards and Jomo Comos could mean it’s a three-horse race for two play-off spots with just five games to go.
George Akpabio and Mxolisi Ntshingila netted for the Chilli Boys, who now need to overpower Leopards in Cape Town on Friday, night to secure one foot in the money-spinning PSL.
Lidoda Duvha cruised to a 3-1 victory over Maluti FET College at Charles Mopeli Stadium thanks to Rendani Ndou’s brace and a single strike from Sanele Mkhize. This moves David Thidiela’s club into second position (44 points), two ahead of Baroka.
Also on song was another ex-PSL giant, Jomo Cosmos. With a goal in each half they showed strugglers, Blackburn Rovers, no mercy during their 2-1 win in Durban. Pentjie Zulu and Charlton Mashumba helped Ezenkosi to record their sixth straight three point haul.
“Jomo” Sono’s side now sit in fourth place with 41 points, while Amarover are all but relegated.
Fifth on the log, Milano United, again disappointed their fans following a 2-2 away draw with Thanda Royal Zulu, and after such a fantastic start, their chances of reaching the play-offs are minimal.
Amabhubhesi’s Ace Bhengu struck twice to almost certainly secure safety for Thami Ngubane’s brave warriors.
With United FC suffering another loss, 1-0 at the hands of Sivutsa Stars, for whom Mpho Mbebe netted, they also look out of the race.
Despite the fact that Santos whipped Roses United 4-1 at Athlone, there is now little possibility of a top three finish. Goal scorers for the People’s Team were Deniro Stanley, Cheslyn Jampies, Sachin Dawood and David Radebe.
Vasco da Gama lost 2-1 at home to FC Cape Town to remain a long way off the pace, while the game between African Warriors and Witbank Spurs ended goalless.