Everything to play for

Johannesburg - It does not get any better than this. The National First Division (NFD) league is going down to the wire on Sunday afternoon – at the top and at the bottom.

While Thanda Royal Zulu have already booked their place in the Absa Premiership, and Black Leopards are guaranteed a place in the promotional play-offs, the contest on Sunday is not only about who will join Leopards in the play-offs, but who will join the already relegated Santos in the ABC Motsepe League.

Huge knock

Two Cape sides could go down, with FC Cape Town and Milano United in danger of joining the People’s Team.

There is all to play for going into the final round.

AmaZulu are in pole position to join Leopards in the remaining play-off spot.

Usuthu need to win their final game away at FC Cape Town, with Stellenbosch and Royal Eagles breathing down their neck; any slip-up would
bring the last two back into the equation.

AmaZulu are just a point ahead of Stellenbosch – who host Santos in a Cape Derby – and two points ahead of Eagles, whose promotion hopes took a huge knock following a stalemate at home to Mbombela United.

After hammering Jomo Cosmos 5-1 at home on Wednesday, AmaZulu should be favourites to join Leopards.

It won’t be easy away in the Mother City, however, as FC Cape Town are fighting for survival.

The side needs to beat AmaZulu and hope that Magesi, Milano and All Stars drop points to ensure their safety.

Any of these sides could still go down if they fail to win their matches on Sunday. 

Guarantee survival

Magesi did their chances of surviving the chop a huge favour when they thumped Real Kings 6-0 to overtake All Stars.

But it is not over yet, as they will have to beat Mbombela United to guarantee their survival.

While all this will be playing out, Thanda will be officially declared champions when the PSL hands over the NFD trophy to them at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban after their KwaZulu-Natal derby against Real Kings.

Leopards will use their game against Mthatha Bucks to prepare for the play-offs, which start on May 31.