Baroka play tussle for ball possession in their recent game against Suspersport .IMAGE – GIFT NDOLWANE

By GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG  – THE 2016/17 campaign, which is drawing to a conclusion, can best be described as a bag of mixed fortunes for teams in the northernmost Limpopo Province.
As far as the Absa Premiership is concerned, Polokwane City look certain to secure a historic finish in the top half of the 16-team log.
The side, which has defied off-field problems lately, is placed sixth with four matches remaining, having garnered 37 points. The latest march towards that credible finish that assures the team’s qualification for the MTN 8 came courtesy of a 2-1 away victory over relegation-threatened Free State Stars.
Acting coach Bernard Molekwa has guided Rise and Shine in the absence of want-away coach Luc Eymael.
Fellow Premiership side, Baroka FC has a mountain to climb in their fight against relegation. That they still have to face defending Champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their next fixture indicates the gloom that awaits Bakgaga.
They occupy the 15th spot on the table with 23 points from 26 games.
Baroka were their own worst enemies this past weekend after leading for the better part of the duel against Bloemfontein Celtic, at some stage of the game sitting 13th, only to fluff their chances and allow Celtic back in the game that eventually ended 1-1.
Elsewhere, in the National First Division, Black Leopards look set to secure a playoff berth in their quest to a return to topflight football.
Leopards are joint second with Stellenbosch FC on 43 points.
Thanda Royal Zulu have one foot in the elite league, leaving the sides that finish second and third in the first division to battle it out with the team placed 15th in the Premiership.
With a reputation for being a yo-yo side, Lidoda Duvha, as Leopards are otherwise known,  were relegated in 2013.
– Guardian