Fans are guaranteed a thrilling end as the championship and playoff spots will be confirmed. The focus will be on four venues as a quartet of teams is in contention.
CRACKiT City Polar, Matebele FC, VTM FC and Notwane are vying for the single automatic promotion spot and the playoff place. Just a point separates the top four ranked teams and fans are in for a treat on Saturday. As expected the crowning should be conducted immediately after the final whistle and the FDSL committee is exploring options to dish the very best on the final day of the season.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport on Thursday, FDSL secretary-general, Ishmael Modise said the norm is that the trophy goes with the log leaders while having a keen eye on the three other fields. "City Polar are currently leading and in second place are Matebele, so the odds that these two teams lose at the same time are very slim, one should win.
Our attention will be on the City Polar and Matebele games; it is not that we have ignored the other two teams," he said. "We will deliver the trophy as quickly as possible to the winners with the assistance of the police escort. At the time, we requested BFA to ask for a helicopter from the police. We are not yet sure if we would succeed, we are still waiting for the response," Modise added. The 2022-2023 DFDSL campaign has been one of the most exciting and the top spot frequently changed hands during the season.
As action heads into the final day, City Polar find themselves at the top of the standings. 'The Students' will be away to Matebejana at the SSG grounds. A 9-0 away win over Black Rangers has injected some confidence into the table-topping team. A right ounce of self-belief could guide City Polar to their first Premier League status in just a year after formation.
However, a stubborn Matebejana stands on the path to glory. 'Tigerkloof' has this season produced surprising results over the top half teams including a win over VTM in the previous weekend. Matebejana will also look to save their spot in the second tier as the relegation matrix in the Premier League could affect their stay. Just on the other side of the Phakalane Estate, The Nest will host second-placed, Matebele and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The home side needs to get one over their Kgatleng rivals to ensure a smooth sail into the promotion spot or the automatic promotion place in the event City Polar fails to collect maximum points on the day.
Chiefs are not in contention and are looking at another season in the dusty grounds and denying Matebele a promotion chance will be amongst their season highlights. It would have been a smoother path for VTM had they not lost to Matebejana last Saturday. However, a new challenge presents itself in Broadhurst United at home in the VTM Arena. Bafana ba Dijabane's chances cling on the two league-topping teams and could find themselves in the automatic spot if results go in their favour. Notwane also find themselves in the same situation as they visit the Forest Arena to take on Black Forest. Toronto has had a fair share of inconsistent results and will need to bring their A-game in a must-win clash. In other games, Uniao Flamengo Santos will take on Young Stars at Gabane United grounds while Tlokweng United travel to Tsabong VDC grounds to face Rangers.
