by Ntokozo Simelane

Hollywoodbets Regional League 2024/2025: The Final Showdown as Champions are to Be Crowned Today

It’s the final day of the Hollywoodbets Regional League 2024/2025 season in the Gert Sibande Region, and the race for the Stream B1 and B2 titles is going down to the wire. With both league streams yet to crown their champions, today promises thrilling football action as the region discovers its heroes.

Stream B1: A Goal Difference Showdown

In Stream B1, Amsterdam United FC lead the pack on goal difference and face a tough challenge against Mpumalanga Arrows FC at Mpumalanga Stadium, Ermelo. They have collected 57 points in 25 matches played, having won 17, drew 6 and lost only 2 games. A win will secure their title, but the Arrows are ready to play spoilers. Amsterdam United FC is led by an experienced campaigner Mr. Sibusiso “Rare” Nkwanyana who led the now defunct Flymingo United FC to the ABC Motsepe League. The manager coach of the team believes it is his time to shine again in the big stage.

“That is how we going to win this season league, ngizobadla bethembile”

He told us that he respects his rivals to the league, but they will not get it. “We will fight for the league until the end; our rivals will think they have a shot at it until the last day. That is how we going to win this season league, ngizobadla bethembile” he said. This he told us a couple of months ago when he was still leading both VOC Superstars FC and Mkhondo Total Football United FC by 4 points.

Today, hot on their heels, second-placed Total Football United FC, trailing only on goal difference, take on Breyten Stars FC at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya. They have 57 points after 25 matches having won 17, drew 6 and lost only 2 games against VOC Superstars FC and Breyten Stars FC in the first round. Seventh placed Breyten Stars are no pushovers, and fans can expect a fiery, end-to-end clash as Total Football fight to steal the crown.

Stream B2: A Do-or-Die Derby

In Stream B2, Mpuluzi Gunners FC hold a three-point lead at the top and face their arch-rivals Ravens FC in a high-stakes showdown at Nhlazatshe No.2 Ground, Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. The Gunners need only a draw to clinch the title, but Ravens FC are on a mission. Sitting second, Ravens FC must win by at least two goals to leapfrog Mpuluzi Gunners and claim the championship. Fresh off a 10-0 demolition of fifth-placed Elukwatini Rovers FC, Ravens are brimming with confidence, and their razor-close goal difference keeps the pressure on. Kuzoba tough!

What would be Next?

The champions of Stream B1 and B2 will lock horns in a Positional Playoff to determine the overall Stream B winner of the Gert Sibande Region. The stakes don’t end there—the Stream A and B champions will represent the region at the Provincial Playoffs, vying for promotion to the prestigious ABC Motsepe League for the 2025/2026 season. The stage is set, the fans are buzzing, and the players are ready. Akukadlalwa, kusazodlalwa! Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic finale to the Hollywoodbets Regional League season.

The latest results, upciming fixtures and log standings of the Hollywoodbets Regional League 2024/2025 season in the Gert Sibande Region of Mpumalanga.
by Ntokozo Simelane

Media Statement: Mpumalanga Sports Confederation Executive Committee Induction and Strategic Workshop

The Mpumalanga Sports Confederation (MSC) recently hosted a successful executive committee induction and strategic workshop, bringing together newly elected executive committee and board members. The workshop, held after the election of the new executive members on 1 February 2025, at Nkangala Middleburg, aimed to capacitate and equip the team with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive sports development and high performance programs in the province.

The workshop featured presentations from key stakeholders, including CoSACSA Mpumalanga, University of Mpumalanga, SASCOC, and Gauteng Sports Confederation.

The topics covered included:

– Forging relationships and collaborations between stakeholders and MSC.

– Sport program integration and community sports.

– The plight of athletes and well-being.

– High-performance sports and the road to LA 2028 Olympics.

– Good practices in collaborations with DCSR on sports delivery.

– Plans for the 2025/2026 financial year and areas of collaboration.

– Roles of the executive board and policies.

The workshop concluded with a clear plan and strategic pillars for the MSC next 4 years in the office. Mr. Linda Zwane, re-elected president of Mpumalanga Sports Confederation, stated, “This workshop marks the beginning of a new era for sports in Mpumalanga, with a new focus on collaborations, strategic planning, and athlete development. The MSC is committed to working closely with stakeholders to promote sports development and excellence in the province. With our plans to benchmark with Gauteng and Western Cape, we are confident that it will surely assist in growing the numbers of athletes that will be coming from the province to be part of the LA Olympics 2028.”

The MSC is excited about the new chapter in sports development in Mpumalanga and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve its goals.

About Mpumalanga Sports Confederation

The Mpumalanga Sports Confederation is a provincial governing body for sports in Mpumalanga, aimed at promoting sports development and excellence in the province.

For more information, please contact

Xolani P. Gumede

MSC Communication Convener

082 484 0622

by Ntokozo Simelane

Mkhondo Promotion League 2024/25 Season Heats Up: Teams battle for promotion to the regional league

The Mkhondo Promotion League 2024/25 season is heating up right at the beginning. The league, which operates across six different Sub LFAs under the Mkhondo Local Football Association, began shortly after the completion of The Vumbuka Trust Cup on October 20, 2024. The teams currently at the top of the standings will be vying to maintain their position until March/April next year, aiming to qualify for the prestigious PG Bison Community Cup.

Additionally, there’s the opportunity to represent their respective Sub LFA at the Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs, where the champions will earn promotion to the higher Hollywoodbets Regional League. The competitiveness of the league is fueled by the lucrative PG Bison Community Cup, which has become a crucial date on the Mkhondo football calendar. Teams are guaranteed a brand-new kit, transport, catering, medical services, and prize money for the tournament, which motivates every team to compete fiercely. Qualification is contingent on remaining at the top of the league standings. The second-place finishers from the Thandukukhanya (16 teams) and Drifontein Sub LFAs (14 teams) will also qualify for the tournament due to the larger number of participating teams in their respective leagues. The other Sub LFAs from Amsterdam, Ngema-Dirkiesdorp, Simakade, and Uhlelo will each have one representative in the top eight tournament.

It promises to be a highly competitive season, with special projects men (muti men) eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their powers.

As of today, Ambitious Aces FC and Young Tigers FC are leading the Amsterdam Promotion League table, each collecting 6 points from 2 games. The serial league winners, Amabhubesi FC, are also in contention with 3 points from one match. In the Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League, Mandela Cross FC and Kunene FC are leading the pack with 9 points after three matches. They are closely followed by 2024/25 league champions Juventus FC and 2024 Vumbuka Trust Cup champions Atletico Madrid FC. This league is shaping up to be the most competitive under the Mkhondo Promotion League for the 2024/25 season.

Action from the Thandukukhanya Promotion League 2024/2025 season match between First Touch Football FC and Mkhondo Sundowns FC which played on 27 October 2024 at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya. First Touch Football won the match match 2-1.

Rangers FC, favored in the Simakade Promotion League, currently leads with 9 points after three matches, followed by Peacemakers FC with 7 points, and Bayern FC, the Vumbuka Trust Cup champions, with 4 points. In the Uhlelo Promotion League, Two 4 Joy FC is eager to maintain their lead until the arrival of the PG Bison Cup, which serves as motivation for their participation. They have a perfect record, sharing the top spot with Ward 6 Brazilians FC in second place. Goodwill Promising FC follows with 6 points, having lost only once to the league leaders, who defeated them 3-1.

The Thandukukhanya Promotion League, which has the largest number of teams, is led by PR Barcelona FC, who have accumulated 12 points from four matches in the 16-team league. They are trailed by First Touch Football with 11 points after five matches, while Comet Riders FC and Citizen FC are tied in third and fourth place, each with 10 points.

The Drifontein Promotion League, the sixth Sub LFA in the Mkhondo Promotion League for the 2024/25 season, has yet to start its matches. This Sub LFA is making a return to the Mkhondo Local Football Association for the first time since the 2019/2020 season. They are expected to kick off next weekend with fourteen (14) teams sharing the Fast IX and Champion Grounds in Saul Mkhizeville. The league season is poised to conclude in the second week of May 2025, followed by the Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs, where all six champions will compete for promotion to the higher Hollywoodbets Regional League.

It promises to be a highly competitive season, with special projects men (muti men) eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their powers and help their teams secure victory at all costs.

by admin

Vumbuka Trust Cup 2023 celebrates 10 Years.

The Vumbuka Trust will be sponsoring Mkhondo Local Football Association through The Vumbuka Trust Cup for the 10th time this season. In addition the trust itself is celebrating 10 years of existence as a shareholding partner at TWK. To celebrate this milestone The Vumbuka Trust increased its sponsorship to a whooping R180 000 for the multi division football tournament. The sponsorship value has increased with almost 1500% when compared to the 1st edition sponsorship value 10 years ago. The first ever edition was sponsored with R12000, and it had a single division i.e. Promotion League, the tournament now carries six (6) divisions.

The 2023 tournament began on on Saturday 28 October 2023 with the under 13 development league divisions consisting of fourteen (14) teams. The Under 15 (14 teams), and the Under 17 divisions (18 teams) will kick off on 04 November 2023. There will also be seven (7) teams in the Under 15 girls division also playing on Saturday. The girls will play in a round-robin format and then play knockout in the semi-final stage. The senior ladies division teams have been drawn from the Mkhondo Ladies League 2023/24 which began in September 2023 with seven teams. They will kick of their round robin of two groups on Saturday 11 November 2023.

The men’s division teams have been drawn from the Mkhondo Promotion League 2023/24 season. A total of 66 teams are expected to be part of the 2023 edition. The participating clubs come from different areas of the Mkhondo Local Municipality that are playing league football under the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The clubs are affiliated with the Mkhondo LFA through seven (7) Sub LFAs i.e. Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA, Simakade Sub LFA, Saul Mkhizeville (Old Stand) Sub LFA, Sinethemba Driefontein Sub LFA, Sulphur Springs Sub LFA, Thandukukhanya Sub LFA, and the newly launched UHlelo Sub LFA. It is not clear if the Amsterdam & Commondale Sub LFAs will take part at this year’s tournament as they are yet to pay the required affiliation fee to the association. Each Sub LFA will have to produce a champion team to represent it at the main finals.

The tournament will wrap up with an all-day football finals extravaganza starting with the Under 13 division and closing with the senior’s final at 3pm on Sunday 19 November 2023 at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya. Prizes for the tournament include cash, playing kits, match balls and training equipment for all runners up in all divisions. To date The Vumbuka Trust has distributed more than forty (40) playing jerseys to different champions over the years. The success of the tournament has resulted in the increase of league participation by clubs based in the Mkhondo Local Municipality jurisdiction. UHlelo Sub LFA has joined the Mkhondo LFA by affiliating to the association and will be part of the 2023 tournament. The Sub LFA is based at Ward 4,6& 8 in the Mkhondo Local Municipality.  

by admin

UHlelo lukaGod. New league stream ready for kick off.

The 2023/24 Mkhondo Promotional League season will open with a new league stream as an addition to the existing Mkhondo Local Football Association league streams. The inaugural UHlelo Promotion League is expected to kick off on Sunday 22 October 2023 at Rustplaas, Maphepheni & Ajax Village. The league will be administered by an executive committee to be known as the UHlelo Sub Local Football Association.

The Sub LFA consist of clubs from four wards under the Mkhondo Local Municipality jurisdictional area i.e. Ward 4, 6&8. The clubs come from the villages of Ajax, Daliya, Derby, Ezakheni, Iswepe, New Home, Maphepheni, Rustplaas and Sgudada. The clubs have affiliated to the Mkhondo Local Football Association but will compete separately under the banner of UHlelo Promotion League consisting of fourteen (14) clubs. They will participate in all competitions under the control of the Mkhondo LFA and will also be allowed to host own tournaments.

The league winners will form part of the Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs where all the Mkhondo champions meet for a 2 days tournament. Some of the exciting tournaments include The Vumbuka Trust Cup which will be playing for the 10th season this year, the annual Vusi Motha Xmas Challenge in December and the lucrative PG Bison Knockout Cup.

There will be no home and away hosting in the first season, matches will be played at four (4) identified grounds. The grounds will be increased in the following season when the league has established itself. The chairperson of the league Mr. Pitso Mpungose explained the decision. “We have a challenge of referees at the moment. We will use the start of the season to recruit referees. Once we have recruited enough referees then we will add more grounds. We also want to limit the number of grounds for easy monitoring of games by the new committee,” he said.

Representatives of clubs from UHlelo Sub Local Football Association listening attentively at the meeting of the association held at Maphepheni Community Office on Freedom Day 27 April 2023.

The Executive committee members were elected to lead the new Sub LFA early on April 27, 2023 at Maphepheni. Seventeen (17) clubs were present at the launch meeting of the Sub LFA where they decided to play league football. The name UHlelo is derived from the river that crosses in between the rural villages of Ward 4, 6&8. The new league begins on Sunday 22 October 2023 with matches playing at Ajax Ground, Maphepheni and Rustplaas Ground, Mkhondo.

The Executive Committeee consist of the following members: 1. Mr. Pitso Mpungose – Chairperson 2. Mr. Mdu Khumalo – 1st Deputy Chairperson 3. Mr. Bonginkosi Ngwenya – 2nd Deputy Chairperson (Treasurer) 4. Mr. Thokozani Mkhulisi – Secretary 5. Mr. Nathi Khumalo – Deputy Secretary.

The executive committee was elected by the following founding clubs:

1. Arsenal Eagles FC from Ajax Village 2. Ajax Bayern Munich FC from Ajax Village

3. Ajax Sweepers FC from Ajax Village 4. Doctor pols FC from Ajax Village

5. Goodwill Promising FC from eMaphepheni 6. India kilo FC from eMaphepheni

7. Khumalo Stars FC from Rustplaas 8. Mjomane Swallows FC from Sgudada

9. Nathi lions FC from Daliya 10. United Boyz from Ezakheni

11. United Brothers FC from Nkonjaneni 12. Two For Joy FC from Halangenkani

13. Ward 6 Brazilian FC from Derby 14. New Home FC from New Home.

Liyasha eMkhondo!!!

by admin

Future of horse racing in Mpumalanga is looking bright.

The future of horse racing in Mpumalanga is very promising judging by recent developments and a new race on the cards. The semi-rural town of Mkhondo will host the first annual horse racing event to be dubbed the Mpumalanga August Horse Racing on Saturday 19 August 2023. Three weeks ago, a historical sponsorship agreement between Imizamo Yabagibeli Horse Racing Association and the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports & Recreation was signed, sealed and delivered by officials of the department.

The sponsorship agreement between the parties involved signals a promising future for horse racing in the region. Such partnerships are crucial for the growth and development of sports, as they provide financial support and resources to enhance the industry. The good news was delivered at a meeting held at Ogenyaneni Traditional House under the authority of Chief Yende on 20 July 2023.

The signing of the sponsorship agreement at Ogenyaneni Traditional House, under the authority of Chief Yende, adds a significant cultural dimension to the event. It emphasizes the connection between horse racing and local traditions, showcasing the rich heritage and values associated with the sport. The department pledged to assist Imizamo Yabagibeli Horse Racing Association with a whooping R200 000 to organize the first annual Mpumalanga horse racing event. The memorandum was presented to Inkosi Yende of Ogenyaneni Traditional Authority and Imizamo Yabagibeli Horse Racing Association represented by the chairperson Mr. Shabalala. The HOD of the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports & Recreation (DCSR) Mr. Ngoma presented the historic agreement.

“Please do not fight over this money, use it for its intended use. We have come a long way and we still going far with this race, make us proud as Mkhondo.”

Letter confirming support to the Mpumalanga August Race being handed to Inkosi Yende & Imizamo Yabagibeli Association by DCSR officials on 20 July 2023. (From left) Mr. Shabalala, Mr. Ngoma & Miss Mogale from DCSR and Inkosi Yende of Ogenyaneni Traditional Authority.

The Gert Sibande District Municipality was represented at the meeting by the Executive Mayor himself, the Hon Cllr. Walter Mngomezulu. The Honourable pledged to assist the event through the special project of his office to the tune of R100 000 towards the success of the event. He said the event has a potential unite Mpumalanga. “We have seen events like Ingoma (Ingoma kaShemeni) bringing people together which is beautiful. When the Chief invited me to this meeting, I told myself that I should be here to witness this good initiative. We are going to support this event until it grows and be able to stand for itself,” said the Executive Mayor. The Mkhondo Local Municipality also pledged a little something to contribute towards the success of the event. The General Manager of Community Services Mrs. Zama-Nyambose Mthethwa, accompanied by Senior Manager Mr. Vusiwe Dube, promised to give all the support towards the success of the event.

The facilitator and master of the event, Inkosi Yende appealed to the government officials and izinduna to give the horse racing association freedom to organize the race. “This event is about horse racing, and I believe only Mr. Shabalala, Mr. Madonsela and Mr. Nkosi know better about this racing. Let us not interfere too much but give them the support they need.” Inkosi also warned the association about the importance of using the money wisely. “Shabalala and your team please do not fight over this money, use it for its intended use. We have come a long way and we still going far with this race, make us proud as Mkhondo”, he concluded.

A parade of the competing horses will be conducted in the morning before the race through the Mkhondo CBD. Imizamo Yabagibeli conducted same parade in the previous race which took place in Mabola (about 40km from the Mkhondo CBD) in May last year.

The horse racing event is expected to bring Mkhondo to a standstill and contribute to massive economic activities. Horse racing events are generally loved by fashion fanatics and local designers will get a chance to showcase their designs. A crowd of 5000 people is expected to descend at Mkhondo to watch the first Mpumalanga race. The local paper packaging company Mpact has agreed to let the association use its land for the race. The land in question is 10km from the Mkhondo CBD on the right-hand side of the N2 when travelling towards Ermelo. It is direct opposite to Maphepheni and the companies PG Bison & Mpact.

by admin

Promotion League season ends with spectacular playoff tournament.

The 2022/23 season of the Mkhondo Promotion League ended with a spectacular playoff tournament featuring six league champions battling to become the undisputed kings of Mkhondo. Total Football United FC reigned supreme by defeating Amabhubesi FC 4-3 on penalties in the final played at Nohhemu Sport Ground, kwaNgema on Sunday 2 July 2023. The win confirmed the team’s status of being the undisputed champions of Mkhondo.

The two-day Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs took place on 1st & 2nd July 2023 at Nohhemu Sport Ground, kwaNgema about 35 kilometres from the Mkhondo CBD. The six champions were divided into groups of two i.e. Group A&B. Winning the group meant a place in the final and qualification to the Regional Playoffs. Group A consisted of Total Football United FC representing Thandukukhanya Sub LFA, Black Lion FC from Sulphur Springs Sub LFA and Rangers FC from Simakade Sub LFA.

Group B consisted of Amabhubesi FC from Amsterdam Sub LFA, Killers FC from Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA and Al Ahly FC from the newly established Commondale Sub LFA. The Commondale Sub LFA participated for the first time after joining the Mkhondo Local Football Association at the start of the 2022/23 season. Al Ahly FC represented the newly established league very well, and judging by the club’s performance the Commondale based league will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Al Ahly drew against Amabhubesi FC and lost to host club Killers FC 2-0 but gave a good performance by debutants.

Amabhubesi FC attacker Simiso Nkosi won player of the tournament at the Mkhondo Local Football Association Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023.

“We promise next time we will give more support. The local mines are willing to assist football development in the area if we approach them correctly.”

The final was a repeat of the 2022 PG Bison Knockout final where Total Football United FC won 4-2 against Amabhubesi. Amabhubesi FC opened the scoresheet via a well taken goal by Kwanele Khumalo in the 40th minute of the 1st half, taking a 1-0 lead into half time.

Shortly After the restart Total Football United got a free kick outside the box. A well taken free kick by Kwanele ‘Demba’ Gule flew straight into the net sending the Total Football faithful into celebration. The beautiful free kick was the last open play goal to be scored at the tournament. It is probably the most talked about goal this season right now. Total Football United keeper Skwira Mavuso saved two penalties helping his side to a 4-3 victory and the Mkhondo Promotion League championship. It is the second consecutive final to be decided on penalties after last season’s final between Total Football United against Ajax Sweepers FC. Ironically Ajax Sweepers went on to qualify for the Men Regional League.

Mkhuseli ‘Kesi’ Vilakazi won top goalscorer award at the Mkhondo LFA Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023. Kesi scored two goals for Black Lion FC in the tournament.

The 2022/23 champions received a trophy and gold medals while the runners-up Amabhubesi FC received silver medals. There were also individual trophies on offer by the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The player of the tournament went to Amabhubesi FC attacker Smiso Nkosi.

The top goal scorer award was taken by Mthuliseni ‘Kesi’ Vilakazi who scored 2 goals for Black Lion FC. The goalkeeper of the tournament award went to Sandile Vilakazi of Al Ahly FC. Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo won the coach of the tournament for guiding his team to victory. It is a well-deserved award for the coach who has won every important trophy this season.

The seasoned coach won the Mkhondo Easter Games and PG Knockout Cup before claiming the Mkhondo Promotion League championship.Beside the lack of sponsorship towards the tournament, support was given to the tournament hosts Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA by local ward councillor Cllr. Mlamuli Mbatha who made sure there was sound system at the venue and tournament match ball.

Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo won coach of the tournament at the MKLFA Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023. The coach led his team Total Football United FC to a second consecutive Mkhondo Promotion League championship.

Cllr. Mbatha apologized for not providing more for the tournament but promised to continue supporting sport activities in the area. “We are happy as Ward 3 to host such a beautiful tournament. We promise next time we will give more support. The local mines are willing to assist football development in the area if we approach them correctly”. He also gave word of support at the prize giving promising to work with the association to get sponsors from local business. “Congratulations for reaching the stage of the league. We are happy that you are going to represent all of us as Mkhondo, good luck to both teams,” he concluded to loud applause.

The champions and runners-up have one more hurdle to go through before getting Promotion to the Gert Sibande Men Regional League. The two teams will be involved in the Gert Sibande Promotional Playoffs against teams from Msukaligwa LFA. They will each play a single match that will decide if they get promoted or not. The Regional Playoffs are set for Sunday 16 July 2023 at the much-loved Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya in Mkhondo.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Mkhondo Champions to battle it out at the playoffs.

The Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season wraps up this weekend with the Promotional Playoffs featuring six (6) league champions. The most important tournament of the league season will take place on Saturday, 01 & and Sunday, 02 July 2023, at Nohhemu Sport Ground, Ngema Trust.  A total of Six (6) teams made it to the playoffs after attaining top position in their respective leagues. They are coming to the playoffs as champions.

The long journey began in August 2022 with a total of eighty-two (82) teams, all affiliated to the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The teams are closer their destination, which is promotion to the higher league. The teams were all competing for the top position which they attained in their respective leagues, but now it is the ultimate stage. The battle of champions.

The competing teams include former Mkhondo Promotion League champions and top favourites Total Football United FC. The Thandukukhanya Promotion League champions are drawn in group A along with playoffs debutants Rangers FC from Simakade Sub LFA. Black Lion FC is returning to the playoffs for the 3rd time and might be the surprise package coming as underdogs into the tournament. The Sulphur Springs champions are drawn group A.

Group B is headlined by host club Killers FC who qualified after winning Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League for the first time. The club dethroned three-time champions Kunene FC and are the oldest club in the tournament. Amabhubesi FC from Amsterdam Promotion League will be making their 3rd appearance at the playoffs. They will play their opening game against tournament debutants Al Ahly FC from Commondale. The club comes from the new Commondale Promotion League stream which was playing league football from the first time in the 2022/23 season.

The top two teams to reach the final will progress to the Gert Sibande Promotional playoffs. At the Regional playoffs the top two teams will play against two clubs from Msukaligwa LFA for the two available spots in the 2023/24 season. The Gert Sibande FA will be introducing a new 16-team league stream that will feature teams from Mkhondo and Msukaligwa LFA. The teams will no longer travel more than 100 kilometres to play Regional League matches. The teams that will qualify will definitely be relieved by this decision especially when it comes to travelling.

The Mkhondo Promotion League kick off on Saturday morning with Rangers FC taking on tournament favourites Total Football United FC at 9am. They will be followed by Amabhubesi FC vs Al Ahly FC of Group B at 11am.

Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season Promotional Playoffs 2023 taking place at Nohhemu Sports Ground, kwaNgema in Mkhondo under the Gert Sibande Region of Mpumalanga.
by Ntokozo Simelane

Prestigious Netball World Cup Trophy received with fanfare.

The prestigious Vitality Netball World Cup trophy was received with so much fanfare when it arrived at the Ermelo Sanlam Center, Ermelo on Tuesday 6 June 2023.  Netball teams from the Gert Sibande Region mobilised their players to come witness the historic moment of having a World Cup trophy in their mist. The trophy was highly protected by security personnel from the SAPS VIP Protection unit. The MEC and other VIP politicians were not as highly guarded as the trophy, but people did not care to notice.

On arrival, the trophy was brought in a silver briefcase with black trimmings resembling the ones seen in crime films. We were told that nobody else is allowed to touch the trophy except for the President of Netball South Africa, Miss Cecilia Molokwane. The trophy is highly respected, the President has to wear white gloves every time she touches it. She proceeded to take out the trophy from the briefcase and put it inside a glass for public viewing. The people took pictures of the trophy with enthusiasm.

There were also important dignitaries from netball and government posing in front of the trophy. The trophy was unveiled by the President of Netball South Africa, Miss Cecilia Molokwane, alongside the Honorable MEC Thandi Shongwe of the Department of Culture, Sport & Recreation in Mpumalanga. The acting Executive Mayor of Msukaligwa Local Municipality was present alongside political leaders from the Gert Sibande District Municipality. The President Miss Molokwane spoke to members of the media which included us and Ligwa FM based in Ermelo.

Africa is the only continent with four (4) teams in the tournament and that tells you we have arrived as Africans, and we are taking it.

Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane placing the trophy down for public viewing at the Vitality Netball World Cup Trophy Tour in Ermelo. Only the champions will hold the trophy with bare hands.

Miss Molokwane said she was hopeful that the Proteas and the other African countries will do well at the World Cup next month. “We have the home crowd that will be cheering for the Proteas team, and we promise that we will not disappoint our fans.” The president asked the local supporters to also support the fellow African teams at the World Cup that include Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. “I am rooting for the African countries to do well in the tournament. In 2019 at the World Cup the African teams finished in the top 8. I believe in Malawi and the She Cranes of Uganda. Africa is the only continent with four (4) teams in the tournament and that tells you we have arrived as Africans, and we are taking it. Look at Zimbabwe, they came from nowhere to reach the quarter finals.”

Letsatsi the official Netball World Cup 2023 mascot was also present at the tour. The name ‘Letsasti’ is a Sotho word which means the sun/day.

The MEC responsible for the Department of Culture, Sports & Recreation (DCSR) Thandi Shongwe said government is committed to the development of netball and fully support Proteas. She asked the Local Sport Councils to work with her provincial government in identifying areas that need sports infrastructure development. “The department is committed in supporting netball. We will continue to build netball courts to contribute to development of the sports. The Municipalities and Local Sport Councils must lead the processes of building sports infrastructure and come up with maintenance plans. This should help prevent building white elephants but usable infrastructure,” she concluded.

The Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 will be played on South Africa soil for the first time from the 28th of July 2023 to 6 August in Cape Town. Sixteen (16) teams will do battle for ten (10) days with the hope of becoming world champions. The games will be played in Cape Town but other cities like Durban will also get to host some of the matches.

by admin

Girls’ tournament inspires hope, boost league football development.

A new football tournament has brought excitement and encouragement towards the development of women football in Mkhondo. The inaugural Mphazima Funeral Services Cup wrapped up with an exciting final between Mkhondo City Stars and Shining Stars Ladies FC in front of a modest crowd at the Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya on Monday 1 May 2023. Mkhondo City Stars defeated Shining Stars Ladies 5-1 to claim the inaugural trophy.

The girls under 17 division tournament played using group and knockout format with eight (8) clubs from the Mkhondo Girls U15 League. A total of 72 goals were scored in 16 matches played at the three (3) day tournament. The eventual champions scored the majority of goals (27), which included an 8-0 win against Shining Stars Ladies FC and Junior United Ladies FC at the group stages. They also cruised to the final with a 6-0 victory against General Zebras Ladies FC in the semifinals.

“We can see that you love playing soccer. Mphazima Funeral Services will continue to support you until you develop further,”

Shining Stars Ladies FC lost 5-1 in the final against the champions, but they went home proud of their display. In the final, they showed determination and bravery against a side that gave them an 8-0 thrashing at the group stages. The club avoided a huge loss and managed to score a goal in the final against the well-developed Mkhondo City Stars FC under the guidance of Mr. Thembela Mdluli. Shining Stars Ladies FC young coach Phumlani ‘Zage’ Ngwenya was full of praise for the girls even though they lost in the final. “We played well even though we lost by so many goals. We saw improvement from the 8-0 loss against a well-developed team. We will continue to train and improve our team in the league,” he said looking dejected.

Player of the tournament Mbalenhle Mabasa on the ball against Shining Stars Ladies FC in the final of Mphazima Funeral Services Cup. She helped her team Mkhondo City Stars to a 6-1 win on Monday, 1 May 2023 at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya, Mkhondo.

Harmony Ladies FC finished on 3rd place after a 2-1 win against General Zebras Ladies FC in the 3rd place playoff match. Harmony Ladies lost a chance to appear in the final after losing 2-1 in the semi-final against Shining Stars Ladies FC. Local football fans and administrators alike felt somewhat happy and relieved to see the team back in action barely a month after losing their coach and mentor, the legendary Mr. DJ Mshololo. The team is now coached by his son and PR Barcelona player Hope Mshololo.

The clubs and players immediately received their awards after the final match. There was a mini competition for the fans and participants presented by Mphazima Funeral Services officials Miss Ndlangamandla and Miss Ncamisile Zwane just before the prize giving commenced. They gave away sweets and chocolates to the fans who managed to answer questions about the company.

The football association will be starting the Mkhondo Promotion League for the women division in June this year.

The managing director of Mphazima Funeral Services, Miss Sinethemba Ndlangamandla, promised to continue assisting women football development by staging more tournaments in the future. “We are happy to be here to watch and support girls’ playing soccer. We can see that you love playing soccer. Mphazima Funeral Services will continue to support you until you develop further,” she said to a loud applause from the players. Miss Ndlangamandla proceeded to present the awards to the individual players and the clubs.

The champions Mkhondo City Stars FC were the big winners at the prize giving ceremony scooping almost all the awards. The first individual award went to Zanethemba Dlamini for winning the goalkeeper of the tournament award. Lindo Mabaso and Harmony Ladies FC striker Mpilo Malinga both won the joint top scorer award. The two goal-getters each scored eight (8) goals in 5 matches. Young midfielder Mbalenhle Mabasa won the player of the tournament award.

The individual award winners, GK Zanethemba Dlamini, Mpilo Malinga, Mbalenhle Mabasa and Lindo Mabaso with Miss Sinethemba Ndlangamandla of Mphazima Funeral Services after the prize giving held at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya. Picture by Diso

The champion coach, Mr. Thembela Mdluli, won the coach of the tournament award. In a spirit of sportsmanship, the winning coach decided to give his award to one of the joint top goal scorers. It was a good gesture from Mr. Mdluli, who is also responsible for women development as the Women Football Committee Chairperson under the Mkhondo Local Football Association.

The girls will now go back to playing league football on Saturdays. The tournament has also encouraged the participating clubs to start a senior league in Mkhondo which will probably be joined by new clubs. The football association will be starting the Mkhondo Promotion League for the women division in June this year.