Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

After being bundled out by Vasco da Gama in the last-32 stage of the Nedbank Cup, Classic's chairman Sinky "Twalaza" Mnisi says his side will now focus on the coming national Vodacom playoffs tentatively set for May.

This entertaining game was played before a fair crowd at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday. Da Gama won 3-2.

The outspoken Mnisi, whose side campaigns in the Limpopo Vodacom region, said the defeat was a blessing in disguise as they would now shift their attention to the national playoffs.

"Mathematically we are champions-elect because we lead the pack with 72 points from 27 games.

"We are three points ahead of second-placed Dolphins from the same number of games. But we are far ahead of them on goal difference,'' said Mnisi.

Though both teams remain with a game each to wrap-up the season, Mnisi insisted that nothing would stop his team from qualifying for the playoffs.

Mnisi said they did not perform well in the first half.

Da Gama coach Carlos das Neves said he was excited that his boys played according to instructions.

A goal apiece from Anthony Moniz (3rd minute), Theo Hempe (20th minute) and Leonard Casper (47th) gave the visitors a comfortable 3-0 cushion.

Classic's Steve Hlongwane and Sakhile Nthite reduced the margin to 3-2 in the 88th and 90th minutes respectively.