Leopards relegated while Chippa, Stellies have work cut-out

BLACK Leopards were confirmed as the first team to be relegated from the Premiership following a 2-1 loss to Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium last night.

Leopards went into the game knowing that they would need two wins from their last two games for a dramatic survival.

Their hopes would have been raised after Khomotso Masia put them ahead early on, but second-half goals from Fagrie Lakay and Abdul Ajagun killed Lidoda Duvha's hopes of retaining their top-flight status.

A 10-man Chippa United missed the chance to break free from the relegation playoff position as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. By avoiding a defeat, Dylan Kerr's TTM ensured survival and a second consecutive season in the Premiership.

Chippa will now be fighting for their lives in their final game of the season at home to SuperSport

United on Saturday as it will literally be a must-win game for them.

Stellenbosch’s 0-0 draw with TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium means that Steve Barker's side will just need to avoid defeat in their final game of the season against Golden Arrows to ensure that they retain their Premiership status.

Maritzburg may have lost 2-0 to SuperSport, but as a result of their relegation threatened rivals failing to make the most of their opportunities, all Ernst Middendorp's team need to do in their last game against AmaZulu is avoid a heavy defeat.

Maritzburg were outplayed by SuperSport, whose striker Bradley Grobler, bagged a brace.

The result meant that the league's top scorer Grobler moved up to 15 goals and it would have eased the pressure on Matsatsantsa coach Kaitano Tembo.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile, who scored twice against Bloemfontein Celtic, will need another brace against City on Saturday if he is to usurp Grobler in the race for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award.