MKHAMBATHI FC started the National Play-Offs matches in the Safa ABC Motsepe League on a good foot, returning with three points in their opening game after beating Mpheni Defenders from Limpopo 2-0 at Mthatha Stadium, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday..
The goals of Linda Bhengu and Mbuso Mdakane ensured three full points in the first match of Group C for this team representing KwaZulu-Natal in the national struggle to move up to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Mkhambathi’s kneeling of Mpheni ensured that this team from Limpopo, which has lost two games in a row, will be out of the qualifiers this morning. In the opening game on Tuesday, they won 2-0 against NC Professionals from the Northern Cape.
Mkhambathi, who sits at the top of Group C, needs three points in its last group stage match against NC Professionals on Thursday at 12.30 noon to secure a place in the semi-final round.
In Group B, Hope FC from the Western Cape is leading, while in Group A it is Luthuli Brigades from Mpumalanga.
The Rural Boys, coached by Xolani “Sdoks” Khumalo, have the challenge of following in the footsteps of their hosts, the Midlands Wanderers of Pietermaritzburg, who won the qualifiers last season and were promoted to the Motsepe Championship.
The two teams that will be successful in the semi-finals to be played on Saturday, will meet in the final on Sunday having already reserved a place in the paying section of the Motsepe Championship for the coming season of 2026/27.
Full results for Wednesday’s ABC Motsepe League Play-Offs:
FC Ravens 2-1 Mangaung United; Luthuli Brigades 2-1 La Masia; Mpheni Defenders 0-2 Mkhambathi FC
Thursday – 9am:
La Masia v North West University
Ngo-12.30pm:
Mkhambathi FC v NC Professionals
Ngo-3.30pm:
Sasolburg United v Hope FC