Relegation axe looms large in the south

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday May 18, 2024 06:00

Black Forest are languishing at the root of the league table with 20 points and they take on Notwane at Black Forest Arena.

Only a victory can save the home side but there is a worrying statistic about the Mmankgodi-based side. They have been leaking more goals than any other side in the league.

Together with Mogoditshane Fighters, they have each conceded 36 goals, which is the worst record in the league. They also have the worst goal difference (-18), which might work against them in the event they accumulate an equal number of points with other relegation candidates.

They have won only five matches this season and played to a draw five times. Notwane are in position nine but only have two points more than Forest. Their advantage going into the last day is that they have a superior goal difference (-3) compared to the rest of the relegation candidates.

Their relegation further down into the lower divisions would be a sad moment for the once-dominant Premier League side. At the Tsabong VDC ground, Desert Nxau host Gunners in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. The home side needs maximum points to harbour any chances of escaping the axe.

They sit at position 11 with 21 points and victory will put them level on points with Gunners. Gunners are in a favourable position due to their healthy goal difference compared to other candidates. During their Premier League days, the Peleng-based giants were famous for their ability to dodge the axe even when it looked unlikely.

Fighters have a difficult task ahead of them, as they take on City Polar in their last match of the season. City Polar have just come out of a shock defeat to UB Hawks midweek.

The defeat threw them out of the contest for a playoff spot, confirming Union Flamengo Santos as the runners-up in the league. Fighters will look to use home-ground advantage and take a leaf from Hawks on how they can contain the Kgatleng side, and a victory will automatically save their season.

They currently sit at position 10 with 22 points. Meanwhile, leaders Young Stars will play their last match in the lower division at home against Prisons XI, where they will receive their trophy and medals. They were confirmed as champions last weekend, despite playing to a 1-1 draw against Fighters. Mochudi Centre Chiefs are away to Santos at the Gabane United ground, whilst UB Hawks take on Tlokweng United at the UB Stadium.