Magesi book promotion, but playoff picture is murky

Magesi FC confirmed their automatic promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Sunday when they defeated Milford FC 3-1 to open an unassailable 18-point lead at the top of the table.

But there is still a big scrap going on behind them to claim two promotion playoff positions, while in the DStv Premiership, the relegation situation is getting clearer with every passing week.

PROMOTION FROM THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP

MAGESI FC

Matches played: 28

Points / goal-difference: 55 / +17

Coach Clinton Larsen has masterminded a feat few saw coming at the start of the campaign as Limpopo side Magesi get to play their first season in the elite league. Back-to-back wins in the past week made sure they could not be caught and with 16 wins (the next highest in 12), few can argue they don’t deserve their promotion. They can relax for the final two rounds.

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Matches played: 28

Points / goal-difference: 47 / +8

AmaTuks have stumbled at the worst possible point of the season and no wins in five (D3 L2) have taken them from promotion favourites to now trying to cling on to a playoff spot. They must travel to Pretoria Callies and will then finish the season at home to promotion rivals Baroka FC in what is a tricky final two games. They may need to win both. They do have the best defence in the division with only 20 goals conceded, but 28 goals scored in 28 games is their issue.

BAROKA FC

Matches played: 28

Points / goal-difference: 45 / +9

Baroka FC have shot up the table on the back of three wins and currently occupy the second promotion playoff place as they seek a return to the big time. Veteran coach Dan Malesela has the team singing and he will know what it takes to get them over the line