The wait is over. This weekend marks the start of the Motsepe Foundation Championship League programme for the 2024/25 soccer season.

One of the two Thohoyandou-based sides, Black Leopards, will kick off the new season with an away fixture. They are set to play against Highbury FC at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on Friday afternoon.

Highbury is an unfamiliar opponent for Black Leopards. They were promoted from the ABC Motsepe League at the end of last season, following their outstanding performance in the national promotional playoffs, held at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley about two months ago.

Although newcomers to the league, Highbury have proven they are ready to handle the challenges of the Motsepe Foundation Championship Division. They rose to the occasion and held Venda Football Club to a goalless draw in a rehearsal game at the Malamulele Stadium three weeks ago.

Lidoda Duvha has also played several friendly games over the past few weeks as part of their preparations for the new season. They secured a goalless draw against the Betway Premiership League side, Supersport United, in Pretoria last Friday.

To demonstrate their serious intent for promotion this season, Black Leopards have strengthened their defence by acquiring Ndivhuwo “Segere” Ravhuhali and Tebogo Thangwane. The new players were introduced on Monday. Ravhuhali played for Venda Football Club last season on loan from Marumo Gallants, while Tebogo Thangwane is a well-known figure in local football circles, having played for the ABC Motsepe League side, Mpheni Defenders, for several years before moving to the now-defunct Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC.

Thangwane and Ravhuhali are expected to team up with the squad’s captain, Thendo Mukumela, and Amukelani Chauke at the back. It was unclear at the time of our going to press whether Leopards’ Namibian international, Bethuel Muzeu, would be available for the game. Muzeu sustained an injury to his right foot during a training session three weeks ago.