The 2026/27 Limpopo ABC Motsepe League season is taking shape, with a number of status changes adding a new dimension to the provincial Nedbank Cup qualifiers.
Among the biggest developments is the confirmation that Ramahantsha Blackpool FC have acquired Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) FC’s ABC Motsepe League status, paving the way for the Vhembe-based club to compete in the provincial league this season.
Blackpool have also appointed Lufuno “Zambrotta” Ndou as their new head coach as they prepare for their first ABC Motsepe League campaign.
Ndou brings experience at this level, having started his coaching journey at Ablex United FC before moving to Vondwe XI Bullets FC and later Selwane White Vultures FC, where he served as both assistant and head coach. More recently, he worked with TTM FC last season before rejoining Vondwe XI Bullets FC.
His appointment comes as Blackpool begin a new chapter following their acquisition of TTM’s status.
Blackpool replace TTM in Nedbank Cup fixture
The preliminary-round draw currently lists TTM FC vs Baduzah FC among the Stream A fixtures scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026.
However, TTM FC in the published fixture is understood to represent the status now acquired by Ramahantsha Blackpool FC. The fixture should therefore be updated to reflect Blackpool’s participation.
The Stream A preliminary fixtures are:
- Ramahantsha Blackpool FC vs Baduzah FC – Makhado Showground
- Selwane White Vultures vs Nkowankowa Continental FC – Selwane Sport Complex
- Tzaneen United FC vs Phalaborwa United FC – Nkowankowa Stadium
- ABC FC vs Mpheni Defenders FC – Makonde Station
All kicks off at 15:00
Mukondeni Young Chiefs, Musina United, Goue Seuns and Vondwe XI Bullets have been placed directly into the next stage.
The Stream A group stage is scheduled for 19 September, followed by the provincial semi-finals on 23 September. The Stream A and Stream B winners are then expected to meet in the provincial final on 30 September 2026.
Gosebo United acquire Ngwabe City Motors status
Another significant change comes in Stream B, where Gosebo United FC have acquired the status of Ngwabe City Motors, adding another layer to the reshuffling of teams ahead of the new campaign.
Gosebo had been involved in the dramatic ABC Motsepe League relegation playoff against TTM, losing 3–2 at Oscar Mpetha Stadium on 30 August.
Their acquisition of Ngwabe City Motors’ status now gives Gosebo a fresh route into the new season.
The Stream B preliminary fixtures currently listed are:
- Baroka FC vs Ramatlaohle – Baroka Village
- Gosebo United FC vs Mokopane PJ Stars FC – Mapodile Stadium
- Phinnet City FC vs Royal Pirates FC – Seshego Stadium
- The Dolphins FC vs Ditlou FC – Senwabarwana Sport Complex
All four matches are scheduled for 15:00 on 12 September.
With several clubs changing statuses ahead of the new season, the Nedbank Cup qualifiers will provide the first competitive test of the revamped provincial landscape.
For Ramahantsha Blackpool, the focus will be on making a strong start under Ndou, while Gosebo United will also look to establish themselves following their acquisition of the Ngwabe City Motors status.