Magesi FC coach Allan Freese is hoping they can avoid the dreaded drop.
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The fight for survival in the Betway Premiership is rapidly approaching its climax, with tension continuing to rise at both ends of the table heading into the final two rounds of the season.
At the centre of the drama are Magesi FC and Marumo Gallants — two clubs separated by only two points as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies.
Magesi currently remain rooted to the bottom of the standings and know that anything less than victory in their remaining fixtures could condemn them to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Their next challenge comes away against Siwelele FC at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Limpopo side have struggled badly for consistency throughout the campaign and have battled to build momentum despite flashes of promise earlier in the season. Their last victory came in April when they defeated Durban City FC 5–2, but since then, results have once again placed them firmly under pressure.
Siwelele themselves still carry ambitions of securing a top-eight finish and will also be desperate to respond strongly after their bruising 7–4 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
For Gallants, the situation remains equally delicate. They occupy the relegation play-off position and head into a difficult Limpopo derby clash against Polokwane City knowing their fate still remains in their own hands.
However, an alarming eight-match winless streak has significantly damaged confidence at the club during the most important period of the campaign. Polokwane, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive season and continue pushing strongly for a top-eight finish — making Gallants’ task even more complicated.
Elsewhere, Chippa United remain nervously positioned above the relegation zone. The Eastern Cape outfit host Golden Arrows knowing defeat could drag them deeper into trouble heading into the final week of the season. Arrows themselves still harbour ambitions of securing a top-eight finish and are unlikely to ease up despite Chippa’s desperation for points.
Orbit College FC have perhaps emerged as one of the surprise stories of the relegation race. The newcomers have shown resilience in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last three matches to climb out of the automatic relegation position. However, they now face another enormous test away to Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town.
With survival, play-off positions, and top-eight ambitions all colliding simultaneously, the closing weeks of the Betway Premiership season promise to deliver drama until the very end.