Leopards coach on right track

When Jean-Pierre Lusciuto (right) took the coaching job at Black Leopards, he set himself a target to take the Limpopo-based team back to the Absa Premiership – and he is now four games away from fulfilling that obligation.

The Belgian has guided Lidoda Duvha to the promotion play-offs which kick off on May 31, with the draw set for tomorrow at the Premier Soccer League offices.

Leopards finished second in the National First Division, guaranteeing them a place in the play-offs where they will be joined by thirdplaced Stellenbosch FC and the team that ends 15th in the Absa Premiership

The third team will be one of Bloemfontein Celtic, Free State Stars, Highlands Park, Chippa United and Baroka FC – who are in a sticky relegation scrap.

Leopards were last in the Premiership four years ago, in the 2012/13 season, where they finished 16th and were relegated. The Limpopo team’s best finish in the elite league was in the 2001/2 and 2003/4 seasons when they finished eighth.

If Leopards go up and Baroka avoid the drop, it takes the number of Limpopo teams in the Premiership to three, with Polokwane City completing the trio.

Thanda Royal Zulu have already won promotion to the Absa Premiership, comfortably winning the NFD title. Roger Sikhakhane’s side finished up 12 points clear of Leopards, Roger Sikhakhane’s side won 2-1 at Real Kings on Sunday, and Lidoda Duvha lost 3-0 at home to Mthatha Bucks.

Stellenbosch took the final spot, beating Santos 1-0 and leapfrogging AmaZulu, who lost 1-0 at FC Cape Town.

FC Cape Town’s win ensured that they avoided relegation to the ABC Motsepe League – instead it was Magesi FC who went down with Santos after losing 3-0 at Mbombela United.