THOHOYANDOU – It is official - the pride of the Far North, Black Leopards, have booked a place in the prestigious BP Top 8 KO Competition.

The fate of Black Leopards was until last Saturday in the hands of Orlando Pirates. Leopards' wish was that Pirates should at least hold Kaizer Chiefs to a draw in their all-important fixture last Saturday, in order for them to participate in the lucrative competition. The game ended in a goalless draw, and the local lads are guaranteed a place in the competition.

Had Chiefs beaten Pirates in the match in question, the Leopards would have waited for the results of the match between Orlando Pirates and Wits University that was played on Tuesday night. The match was won by Wits University by a 3-1 margin.

The result of the Wits and Pirates game had far-reaching implications on the league log. Pirates would have ended on the second spot on the log had they won the match, while on the other hand losing the match would mean that the "Clever Boys" would not participate in the BP Top 8 and instead it would have been Kaizer Chiefs.

The current state of affairs is that the 2001 BP Top champions, Kaizer Chiefs will not be given chance to defend their cup, but they will instead surrender it without a fight. The 3-1 victory for Wits University was a blessing in disguise to Supersport United, who were in a close contest for the second position with Orlando Pirates.

Supersport United winded up their league programme on the second spot with 59 points, five behind the champions, Sanlam Santos. Teams that have made it to the BP Top 8 KO competition are Santos, Supersport United, Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows, Wits University and Black Leopards.