Two-goal win or bust for Leopards’ PSL hopes

STATISTICS from the previous season point to an even chance of Black Leopards gaining promotion to the Absa Premiership.

Lidoda Duvha need to beat Baroka FC by a two-goal margin to win the promotional play-offs and replace Bakgaga in the elite league. The two sides clash in the finale of the threeteam (Stellenbosch FC were the other side involved) mini league play-offs at Thohoyandou Stadium today (3pm).

The National First Division (NFD) runners-up (Leopards) are in a win at all cost situation as they trail the Premiership side by three points. Victory will see them finish the playoffs on equal points with Kgoloko Thobejane’s side and, to usurp them, Leopards have to win by at least a two-goal margin. Lidoda Duvha fans believe their team can do this, but statistics suggest it will be difficult.

In 15 home matches in the 2016/17 NFD season, Leopards have only twice won by two-goal margins. Ironically those wins came in both their second and second-last matches at Thohoyandou. Early in the season they beat Milano United 4-0 and they then secured their second spot on the table in their penultimate home match with a 4-1 drubbing of already relegated Magesi FC.

Intriguingly, Baroka have only lost twice by two-goal or more margins in the Absa Premiership. They went down 3-1 to Maritzburg in April having been hammered 5-0 by Bidvest Wits in February.

Statistics, however, are generally said to be nothing more than numbers on a piece of paper with very little effect on the outcome of football matches. And thus many will tell you that looking back at what happened won’t help. The key this afternoon will depend on who wants it the most.

The home side have generally had it rough in the play-offs, Leopards having succeeded once via this route in four tries. They go into their fifth attempt with some hope though. After their 3-1 win over Stellenbosch midweek, David Thidiela’s team are confident they can beat their Limpopo neighbours.

Coach Jean Luscuito was full of praise for his players after the win over Stellies. “My players played good offensive football. We know that Baroka are a team with experience in the PSL but we need the three points and the two goals against them.”

Mwape Musonda could again be the man to deliver the goods. He scored a brace in Cape Town midweek and is eager to find the net in front of his home crowd.