CASSEL Mathale, the Limpopo premier, has dangled a whopping R1million carrot before Black Leopards' players if they win the National First Division playoffs.

CASSEL Mathale, the Limpopo premier, has dangled a whopping R1million carrot before Black Leopards' players if they win the National First Division playoffs.

Leopards were drawn against African Warriors yesterday, while Mpumalanga Black Aces and Nathi Lions will contest the second semifinal. The matches are scheduled for March 17. The winner will play in the Absa Premiership next season.

Mathale's spokesperson, Phuti Mosomane, made it clear yesterday that the monetary incentive would come from Mathale's "discretionary fund".

Mosomane said the incentive was first put to Leopards before their match against Vasco da Gama, which they lost 2-1 on Sunday.

That win earned the Cape side a place in the Absa Premiership, replacing Jomo Cosmos.

Now the battle between Leopards, Warriors, Lions and Aces is for the 16th spot in the top flight.