Coach reckons they are closer to promotion after recent seasons flops

Hungry Lions owner-coach Henry Basie has predicted that a team that will seal promotion to the Premiership this season will garner 60 points upwards, backing his side to finally earn promotion.

Lions are in blistering form in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC), boasting four wins and a draw in their last five fixtures.

Lions, who are in their sixth season in the second-tier since their promotion in the 2020/21 season, remain five points behind leaders Magesi after eight matches. Last season, Kruger United finished as champions with 62 points, the highest point-tally in the MFC history.

It was also the first time the 60-point mark was hit and exceeded since Baroka did it with 60 points to win promotion in the 2015/16 term.

“This season the point tally for eventual champions is going to be huge. I really believe it will go up to 60 to 65. If you can check, Magesi are already on 20 points after eight games,” Basie told Sowetan yesterday.

“We are breathing on their [Magesi’s] neck. We should finally come out and go to the Premiership this season and I believe we will. We have to remain consistent because we have enough depth of young and experienced players, so we have what it takes to finish the job.”

Lions next face provincial rivals Upington at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday.

Lions’ record in the MFC since promotion

2021/22; finished 11th with 36 points

2022/23; finished fifth with 47 points

2023/24; finished eighth with 42 points

2024/25; finished 13 with 33 points

2025/26; finished fifth with 52 points

Results

Orbit 1-2 CPT City; Hope 1-0 Bees; Midlands 0-1 Upington; Native 1-1 Highbury; NWU 2-1 AmaTuks; Magesi 2-1 Gomora; Leicesterford 0-3 Lerumo; Lions 1-0 Venda.