SAFA Limpopo has issued a circular confirming promotions and relegations for the ABC Motsepe League, formally recording the return of Black Leopards and Baroka FC to the provincial competition after their demotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The confirmation, signed by provincial executive officer Refiloe Khoza, also names other clubs moving between tiers ahead of the new season.
Confirmed movements in and out of the ABC Motsepe League
The circular lists four clubs relegated from the provincial league to regional leagues and two clubs promoted from the regional ranks. It also records the purchase and relocation of one club’s license within the province.
- Relegated to regional leagues: Unolia FC, Lebash FC, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC and Gosebo United.
- Promoted to the ABC Motsepe League: ABC FC and Phinet City FC (first and second place in the provincial promotional playoffs at Malamulele Stadium).
- Returned to provincial league: Black Leopards and Baroka FC (relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship).
- Club procurement and relocation: Tubatse United FC has been acquired by Goue Seuns FC and will be based in Vhembe.
| Movement | Clubs |
|---|---|
| Relegated to regional leagues | Unolia FC; Lebash FC; Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC; Gosebo United |
| Promoted to ABC Motsepe League | ABC FC; Phinet City FC |
| Returned from Motsepe Foundation Championship | Black Leopards; Baroka FC |
| License acquisition/relocation | Tubatse United FC → purchased by Goue Seuns FC; relocation to Vhembe |
Black Leopards reject relegation, take legal route
Despite SAFA Limpopo’s formal circular, Black Leopards president David “Tshifhe” Thidiela has publicly rejected the club’s demotion and said the team will continue to challenge the decision. According to the provincial confirmation, Black Leopards return to the ABC Motsepe League; Thidiela has said the club has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after domestic dispute-resolution efforts failed.
Thidiela has argued the club was unfairly treated by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) last season. He says Black Leopards were informed — allegedly informally — that FIFA had banned them from registering new players, and that the PSL withheld player registration cards for about two months. That, he maintains, forced the team to play matches short-handed early in the season.
The provincial circular does not comment on those allegations; it records only the administrative outcome for league placement. SAFA Limpopo’s process is administrative: it confirms clubs’ positions and movements based on league results and the relevant competition rules, according to the circular signed by Khoza.
What this means for players, supporters and local football
The confirmation will have immediate practical and financial consequences for the clubs and players involved. Dropping to regional leagues usually means reduced travel budgets, smaller match-day revenue, and fewer sponsorship opportunities. Promotion to the provincial league carries the opposite implications, with higher-profile fixtures and increased exposure for players hoping to progress into professional ranks.
In Vhembe and across Limpopo, supporters will follow developments closely. The relocation of Tubatse United’s licence to Vhembe under the Goue Seuns banner will change the local fixture list and could shift support and youth development structures in the area.
Possible outcomes and next steps
The immediate administrative position rests with SAFA Limpopo’s circular. If Black Leopards’ appeal at CAS succeeds, it could result in the club’s reinstatement to the Motsepe Foundation Championship; if it fails, the provincial confirmation will stand. The timeline for CAS appeals varies, and any interim relief would depend on CAS granting provisional measures — a separate process requiring a formal request.
For now clubs should prepare for the coming season under the placements announced by SAFA Limpopo, while Black Leopards pursue their legal remedies.
Local stakeholders including municipalities, sponsors and supporters may want to monitor both SAFA Limpopo’s official communications and any updates from CAS. For clubs facing relegation, planning early for budget adjustments, player contracts and youth outreach can reduce disruption.
SAFA Limpopo’s circular was issued last Friday and signed by Refiloe Khoza. Black Leopards’ president David Thidiela has publicly confirmed the CAS appeal and continued dispute with the PSL; neither SAFA Limpopo nor the PSL has appended further comment to the circular.
Reporting from Polokwane.
