Umsinga book Motsepe National Playoffs semifinal spot

The hosts Umsinga United were the first team to book the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs’ semifinal spot in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Day 2 fixtures produced yet another set of fascinating matches with goals galore. 

In the first game of the day, Northern Cape’s Upington City thrashed Young Bafana of the Western Cape with a 3-0 scoreline. 

The defeat, saw Young Bafana become the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs without a point.

LEARNING CURVE FOR YOUNG BAFANA

After the game, Young Bafana coach Ashraf Calvert stated that this would be his boys’ learning curve and hopes they will return stronger next season. 

UMSINGA UNITED QUALIFY FOR THE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE NATIONAL PLAYOFFS SEMIFINAL

The second fixture produced eight goals, with Umsinga having no mercy when they slaughtered Free State’s Buffalo FC with a 7-1 scoreline. 

As a result, Umsinga qualified for the national playoffs semis and stand a chance to gain promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. 

LOST TO AN EXPERIENCED SIDE 

Meanwhile, Buffalo coach Sandile Xowana admitted their loss against Umsinga is ‘difficult to explain’ and lamented their lack of ‘experience’. 

However, Xowana said they would do everything possible to bounce back in their next game with God’s grace. 

The last game of Day 2 was between Limpopo’s Mpheni Home Defenders and Mlambo Royal Cubs of Mpumalanga. 

The showdown ended in a 4-2 win in favour of Mpheni, whereas Mlambo will live to rue their missed chances.

Mlambo becomes the second team to go home without a point at the South African football third-tier national playoffs.

With that said, the road to promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship continues tomorrow with mouthwatering fixtures. 

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