by admin

Football Thrives as Mkhondo LFA Announces Largest-Ever Season

Backed by The Vumbuka Trust and PG Bison, the Promotion League promises pride, prize money, and growth across the municipality.

The Mkhondo Local Football Association is gearing up for a bigger 2026/2027 season, with the Mkhondo Promotion League scheduled to kick off on Sunday, 06 September 2026. The kick-off will be marking the start of football across the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

In a notice issued on 11 August, the Mkhondo LFA confirmed the season opener and announced a major expansion: the addition of a new Sub LFA from Mabola/Dirkiesdorp area. The new structure will bring in 12 teams and push the total number of Sub LFAs under Mkhondo LFA to nine. With the jurisdiction already carrying over 100 teams, the league is set to be its largest yet.

The league is represented through the Mkhondo Local Municipality at Amsterdam, kwaNgema, Mabola, Saul Mkhizeville, Rustplaas, Daliya, Taaibos/Panbult and Thandukukhanya. The only areas left without league football now is eNtombe, Iswepe, Commondale and Sulphur Springs.

Key dates for clubs

Clubs have been urged to meet the 19 August deadline for both affiliation and player registration to avoid delays ahead of the opening weekend. In correspondence with affiliated teams the association set a tight registration window ahead of kick-off:

  • Wednesday, 19 August 2026: Club Registration/Renewal forms due
  • Saturday, 22 August 2026: Season Affiliate fee and Player Registration forms due
  • Saturday, 22 August 2026: SAFA Nomination Forms for Elective Congress due to the Secretary in a sealed envelope
  • Saturday, 29 August 2026: Annual Congress / AGM at 10am, Heroes Creative Joint, Thandukukhanya.
  • Saturday, 05 September 2026: Vumbuka Trust Cup tournament kickoff.
  • Sunday, 06 September 2026: Mkhondo Promotion League kickoff.

Growth across Mkhondo

The inclusion of the Mabola Sub LFA signals continued growth for football in the area. With nine Sub LFAs now feeding into the main Promotion League, the LFA notes that this expansion is aimed at giving more communities in the Mkhondo Local Municipality a competitive platform. The season is expected to run until June 2027, with the Promotion League and the Vumbuka Trust Cup taking place side by side from September until the finals on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The PG Bison Fam-Fest tournament will be played between March and April 2027, where the leaders of the league streams will qualify for this lucrative competition.

Action from the PG Bison Fam-Fest which is one of the attractive tournaments played by Mkhondo Promotion League champions under the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The 2026 edition played on 18 & 19 April 2026 at the Kempville Stadium in Mkhondo.

These tournaments are a blessing to the Mkhondo LFA, which uses them to encourage teams playing league football, especially in the rural areas of the municipality. The 2nd Deputy Chairperson of the LFA Mr. Johnny “Soccer” Nkosi knows it better and shared his thougths about the league.“The Vumbuka Trust and PG Bison sponsorship have made the league strong and competitive. They have also motivated teams to play league football. Every player wants to play in these tournaments because they bring a great sense of pride,” he said.

It is not only pride at stake—the tournaments carry prize money of no less than R10,000 for the winners. Last season, the winners of the Vumbuka Trust Cup walked away R15,000 richer, plus a brand-new kit. The PG Bison Fam-Fest Cup winners received R10,000 and two brand-new playing kits, in addition to being transported and catered for over two days.

The Mkhondo Promotion League is expected to conclude in May 2027, followed by the Promotional Playoffs in early June. The Promotional Playoffs are the final tournament of the season, where all the champions converge at one venue to battle for promotion to the Hollywoodbets Regional League.

For fixtures and updates, clubs have been directed to liaise with their respective Sub LFA committees and the Mkhondo LFA Secretary’s office. The 2026/2027 season kicks off on Saturday, 05 September 2026. Kusazobamnandi eMkhondo!

by admin

Top of the table clash: Amsterdam Promotion League Decider Rescheduled

Amsterdam – The road to the Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs hit an unexpected detour last week, but the stage is now set for a thrilling finale in the Amsterdam Promotion League 2025/26 season. The highly anticipated title showdown between defending champions Amabhubesi FC and league leaders Jericho Ocean FC will now take place on Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 15:00 at Emoyeni Stadium, Amsterdam, following an official announcement by the Mkhondo Local Football Association.

The clash, originally scheduled for Sunday, 24 May, was postponed due to the non‑availability of match officials and a failure by the two clubs to agree on who should officiate the encounter. Tensions flared as a war of words erupted between the two camps. Amabhubesi FC rejected the use of local referee Bashin, while Jericho Ocean FC insisted he should officiate the match. Jericho Ocean later raised concerns that they had been informed referees from Piet Retief would handle the match, suggesting the officials had been imposed by the Amsterdam Sub‑LFA. With no resolution reached, the Mkhondo LFA stepped in to stabilise the situation, ensuring the final match of the season is staged under agreed conditions and in accordance with FIFA Fair Play.

Title Race on a Knife’s Edge

The rescheduled fixture could not be more dramatic. Jericho Ocean FC sit top of the log standings with 51 points after 19 matches, while Amabhubesi FC trail closely with 48 points, having played the same number of games. Amabhubesi are no strangers to pressure. The club is chasing an extraordinary fifth consecutive league title, having dominated the Amsterdam area for the past four seasons. Standing in their way is Jericho Ocean FC, a relatively new club that has quickly shaken the league hierarchy. Jericho Ocean already showed their credentials by defeating Amabhubesi 1‑0 in the first round of the league. The two sides met during the Amsterdam Easter Tournament final, where they played to a 0‑0 draw before Amabhubesi edged the penalty shoot‑out. The significance of Sunday’s match extends beyond local bragging rights. The league champions will represent Amsterdam at the Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs, scheduled for early June 2026, with promotion ambitions firmly in sight.

A Season of Controversy

The 2025/26 season has not been short of drama. Allegations and counter‑allegations between clubs have circulated, including claims of referee bribery, fixture bias, and preferential treatment—issues that have fueled tensions across the league. Two clubs were expelled during the season:

  • Young Birds FC were removed after failing to honour three fixtures, despite allegedly being present in the area.
  • Mbongiseni Premier United FC withdrew after their players failed to pitch for an away match against Men City FC, leaving hired transport waiting. The club owner later cited a lack of player commitment.

The league also produced an eyebrow‑raising scoreline when Amabhubesi FC thrashed Stone Breakers FC 22–2, a match played shortly after Mbongiseni Premier United’s withdrawal. Those who understand football permutations may have their theories—but for everyone else, the best answer is to be at the stadium this coming weekend. All roads now lead to Emoyeni Stadium on Sunday, 31 May 2026. With pride, promotion, and bragging rights on the line, Amsterdam football fans are set for a showdown that promises passion, pressure, and plenty of talking points.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Netball Fever Hits Ermelo: Record 17 Teams to Kick Off Gert Sibande League

ERMELO – The playing courts at AJ Swanepoel Stadium are set to sizzle this Saturday, 9 May 2026, as the Gert Sibande Netball League officially launches its highly anticipated 2026 season. This year marks a historic milestone for the region, with a record-breaking seventeen (17) teams registered to compete for glory and a shot at the provincial Mpumalanga Super League.

A Sport on the Rise

Netball is rapidly cementing its status as the second-largest team sport by participation at the grassroots level within the Gert Sibande Region. Once seen as a traditionally female sport, the game has evolved into an inclusive powerhouse, attracting a significant number of male players and gaining massive momentum across Mpumalanga. The surge in interest is credited to several factors including the recent election of a new Gert Sibande Netball Association executive committee has brought fresh energy and structured governance.

“At Dr. Pixley, the facilities were built but were never completed in almost all units.”

The introduction of the Mpumalanga Netball Super League over the last two seasons has provided a clear pathway for regional talent to reach the elite level competition. Municipalities like Mkhondo, Lekwa, Govan Mbeki, and Chief Albert Luthuli have successfully established their own local leagues, feeding talent into the regional system.

The Contenders

Of the seven local municipalities in the region, five will be represented on the court this season:

 1. Msukaligwa LM (Ermelo)

 2. Chief Albert Luthuli LM (Carolina)

 3. Govan Mbeki LM (Secunda)

 4. Lekwa LM*(Standerton)

 5. Mkhondo LM (Mkhondo/Piet Retief)

File: Action from previous matches of the Gert Sibande Netball League at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo where the league opening will be held.

Notably absent this year are Dr. Pixley kaSeme LM (Volksrust) and Dipaleseng LM (Balfour). The association cited internal local issues, transport funding, and a severe lack of functional facilities as the primary reasons for their absence. “At Dr. Pixley, the facilities were built but were never completed in almost all units. Some were completed, but over time they got vandalized,” explained Xolani ‘NaMgayi’ Gumede, Chairperson of the Gert Sibande Netball Association. Despite these setbacks, Gumede remains optimistic, stating that the new committee is working on a plan for next year to close the gaps between local and district levels and standardize processes across the region.

League Structure and Stakes

The 2026 season will see teams split into two tiers: Division A: Home to the region’s top-performing teams and the male/mixed category. Division B: Focused on development and lower-performing teams. The stakes are high for those in the topflight. The top four teams in Division A will earn promotion to the prestigious Mpumalanga Netball Super League. In a bittersweet reality for grassroots sports, promotion remains the primary “prize” for the athletes. The league currently operates without corporate sponsorship, relying entirely on the passion and will of the players and organizers to sustain the competition.

What to Expect

Matches will be played on a monthly basis, rotating through various towns across the region. To ensure the quality of play, only towns with a minimum of three available courts will host league matches. As the first whistle blows in Ermelo this Saturday, the focus will be on the court—where talent, grit, and the dream of professional promotion will be on full display.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Community Clubs boots out Schools in the PG Bison Tournament.

MKHONDO — In a major shake-up for local sports, the Mkhondo Netball Association has officially taken over all netball activities for the upcoming PG Bison Fam-Fest Community Sports Tournament. Set to take place this Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Kempville Stadium, this year’s edition marks a historic milestone: for the first time in the tournament’s four-year history, local community netball clubs will compete, while school teams have been booted from the roster.

Historically, the Association’s role was limited to behind-the-scenes support—providing umpires, keeping scorecards, and drawing fixtures for the schools. Now, they are stepping into the spotlight to run the show. The decision to exclude schools stems from a lack of long-term sports development. Over the past four years, participating schools struggled to maintain active play after the PG Bison Fam-Fest Cup concluded. Furthermore, prize money won in previous tournaments was often redirected toward purchasing stationery and other school necessities rather than being reinvested into sports activities. The saddest part is that none of the schools have a netball court or any other sport facility within the school yards.

“We spoke to PG Bison about netball development in Mkhondo and they listened.”

The changes were confirmed during a recent meeting between the Association and the Community Liaison Office responsible for organizing the annual tournament. Speaking to Diski99 Sports News, Mkhondo Netball Association Chairperson Mr. Sbonelo Shiba could not hide his enthusiasm about the takeover. “Yes, we have been given the opportunity to include our teams that play the local netball league. We will be having eight of our best teams competing on Saturday,” Shiba confirmed. Detailing how the decision came about after last year’s games, he added, “We spoke to PG Bison about Netball development in Mkhondo and they listened. We explained to them how including our teams will help us grow and develop netball in Mkhondo.”

Leveling the Playing Field

The Mkhondo Netball League, which plays once a quarter, has historically been plagued by financial hurdles, with the majority of teams struggling to afford playing kits, bibs, and transportation. This tournament promises to temporarily end those struggles, offering clubs the resources and platform they deserve.

This inclusion also brings netball on par with local football. Since the tournament’s inception, the Mkhondo Local Football Association has fielded eight teams from the Mkhondo Promotion League, resulting in tremendous improvements in competition and football development. The local netball fraternity is hopeful that community clubs will reap those same benefits starting this weekend.

Action from the 2025 edition of the PG Bison Fam-Fest netball tournament which played on Saturday 10 May 2025 at Kempville Court in Mkhondo. This year the tournament has been opened to community teams.

The 2026 Tournament Draw

Fans heading to Kempville Stadium on Saturday morning can expect some of the best netball ever witnessed in Mkhondo. The eight participating clubs have been drawn into two highly competitive pools. Pool A contains some of the top-heavyweight teams in Mkhondo, this group is guaranteed to deliver fierce competition. Headlined by last year’s most improved team the Dolphins NC, this group is looking just as thrilling.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format within the pools. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, battling it out in the semi-finals for a spot in the grand finale. The action-packed day will conclude with the highly anticipated final match, followed immediately by a prize-giving ceremony.

Pool A: The “Pool of Death” (home address in brackets)

  1. Rockstars NC (Thandukukhanya)
  2. Mvelo Queens NC (KwaThandeka Location, Amsterdam)
  3. Troublemakers NC (Daliya, Iswepe)
  4. Highlanders NC (Ajax) – Vumbuka Trust Cup 2025 Champions

Pool B: The Contenders (home address in brackets)

  1. Dolphins NC (Phola Park, Thandukukhanya)
  2. Libhaba NC (Commondale)
  3. Young Stars NC (Mabola/Dirkiesdorp)
  4. Thembalethu NC (Belfast/Sgudada)
Proper planning: The fixtures for the 2026 edition have been done early by the Mkhondo Netball Association which is one of new ideas to make the tournament exciting.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Mkhondo Total Football United Unbeaten as Regional League Hits Easter Break

As the 2025/26 Hollywoodbets Regional League season is on pause for the Easter holidays, the race for the Stream B1 title is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With action set to resume on Sunday, April 12, 2026, teams have a brief window to regroup before the final push toward the playoffs.

The league, primarily comprising 15 teams drawn from the Msukaligwa and Mkhondo Local Municipalities in the Gert Sibande Region, offers a massive prize at end of season. The winner of Stream B1 will face off against the Stream B2 champions, with the ultimate victor securing a spot in the Provincial Playoffs and a coveted chance for promotion to the Provincial ABC Motsepe League.

The Title Contenders

Mkhondo Total Football United FC is currently setting the gold standard. Hailing from Thandukukhanya Township in Mkhondo, they sit comfortably at the top of the log with 44 points from 18 games. In their third season in the league—having originally earned promotion via the Mkhondo Promotional League Playoffs—they are entirely unbeaten, boasting 13 wins and 5 draws. After a strong 2nd place finish in the 2024/25 season, they look determined to go all the way this year.

Breathing down their necks in second place is Somhlolo United with 40 points. The seasoned campaigners from Lothair (Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality) finished 3rd last season after a dedicated rebuilding phase. With a game in hand over the leaders, Somhlolo remains a massive threat to Total Football United’s title ambitions.

Rounding out the top three is Afro Sporting FC (31 points). Based in Ermelo within the Msukaligwa Local Municipality, they have assembled an exciting, technically gifted young squad. Their push up the table has been notably bolstered by the strategic addition of talented players formerly of VOC FM Superstars.

The Breathalyzer Controversy

The 2025/26 season hasn’t been without its drama. Earlier in the campaign at match day no. 5, the league’s stability was tested by a highly unusual and controversial incident involving VOC FM Superstars, which ultimately led to the club abandoning the league.

The dispute ignited during a match between VOC FM Superstars and current log leaders Mkhondo Total Football United FC. Trailing 3-2, VOC FM Superstars accused the match referee of officiating under the influence of alcohol and sensationally demanded the referee take a breathalyzer test on the pitch.

Following the incident, the league’s disciplinary committee found VOC FM Superstars guilty of improper conduct toward a match official, handing them a R5,000 fine. The situation deteriorated when the club accused the league of withholding their prize money while simultaneously expecting them to pay the fines. The bitter standoff resulted in VOC FM Superstars officially withdrawing from the league, leaving their record wiped clean from the current standings. The link for the latest log standings can be found here..Hollywoodbets Regional League 2025/2026 B1 | Diski99 Sports News

by Ntokozo Simelane

Countdown Begins: PG Bison Gears Up Kempville Stadium for 5th Community Sports Tournament in Mkhondo.

MKHONDO – The countdown is officially on! With exactly a month to go, preparations for the highly anticipated 5th edition of the PG Bison Community Sports Tournament are in full swing at the historic Kempville Stadium.

Set to kick off on Saturday, 18 April 2026, the two-day sporting spectacle will bring together eight football clubs and eight netball teams for a weekend of fierce local competition and community celebration. The tournament marks a proud return to glory for Kempville Stadium, a venue famous in the 1990s for hosting high-profile reserve matches for football giants like Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

Breathing New Life into Kempville Stadium

To ensure an unforgettable experience for both players and fans, the hosts PG Bison is spearheading major maintenance and upliftment projects at the venue. Upgrades are already underway, including the installation of a Jojo tank to ensure reliable pitch irrigation and a steady water supply for the change rooms. The netball courts are also receiving a restoration, complete with weed removal, fence repairs, and a fresh coat of paint on the court surface.

Action from the 2025 PG Bison Fam-Fest Final between Citizen FC (maroon) vs Rangers FC (green) which played on 11 May 2025 at Kempville Stadium. Citizen FC walked away as champions after a 2-1 win.

PG Bison’s Community Liaison Officer, Miss Sanelisiwe Cele, emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating the tournament’s standard this year: “We want travellers on the N2 road to have a clear view of the stadium when passing through. The grass must be neatly cut all round. The change rooms will be painted to give it a glamorous look; the players must feel happy and proud while preparing to enter the field.”

Unprecedented Support for Local Talent

PG Bison’s dedication to Mkhondo’s sports development goes far beyond venue maintenance. This year, the company is pulling out all the stops for the participants. All 18 participating teams (including the legends squads) will receive, full playing attire, a match ball, free transportation to and from the venue, and full catering over the two-day event for participants. Members of the public will be allowed to open food stalls and sell to the fans with the support of PG Bison.

In an exciting twist, the teams that battle their way to the finals will be rewarded with a brand-new, secondary set of playing attire specifically for the final match. Champions will walk away R10 000 richer in the bank for winning the netball and football final.

PG Bison contractors welding in the pump support steel below the Jojo tank at the Kempville Stadium on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The tank will help in times of water shortages and irrigation of the pitch.

Road to the Tournament: Who Will Compete?

The Football Draw

The eight football slots are highly competitive and will be awarded to the current leaders of the Mkhondo Promotion League 2025/26 season as administered by the Mkhondo Local Football Association. TheCut-off Date for qualifying is Sunday, 5 April 2026 which will be followed by the draw on Tuesday 7 April 2026. The participating Leagues come from Amsterdam, Driefontein, Ngema-Dirkiesdorp, Simakade, Sinethemba Driefontein, Thandukukhanya, UHlelo, and the newly formed Ward 2 Promotion League.

The Netball Lineup

The netball division will showcase the best young talent from local schools. The eight confirmed school teams are:

  • Amadlelo Aluhlaza
  • Kempsiding Combined
  • Ndlela Secondary
  • Nqubeko Secondary
  • PR Combined School
  • Salem Combined
  • Ubuhlebuzile Secondary
  • Umlilo Combined School

Match Weekend Schedule

Saturday, 18 April 2026: Opening rounds for both sports, concluding with the crowning of the Netball Champions later that afternoon.

Sunday, 19 April 2026: Football semi-finals and finals.

Fans attending on Sunday are in for a special treat: a highly anticipated Legends Match featuring a PG Bison team taking on a local Masters team, serving as the official curtain-raiser before the main football final.

Don’t miss out on the action—join us at Kempville Stadium this April to support Mkhondo’s finest sports talent!

by Ntokozo Simelane

MPUMALANGA SPORT CONFEDERATION WELCOMES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2026 PREMIER’S CUP

MBOMBELA, MPUMALANGA – The Mpumalanga Sport Confederation (MSC) enthusiastically welcomes and commends the recent decision by the Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) to approve the staging of the 2026 Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the province, positioning the Premier’s Cup as the flagship fixture on our sporting calendar. The MSC views this as a bold step toward revitalizing local sports and providing our athletes with the high-profile platform they deserve.

Commending Progressive Leadership

We wish to express our profound gratitude to the Premier of Mpumalanga for his visionary leadership. His commitment to utilizing sport as a vehicle for social transformation is evident in this initiative. By championing this tournament, the Premier has demonstrated a “people-first” approach to governance, ensuring that sport remains a cornerstone of community health and provincial pride. This announcement comes after MSC and Federations resolved to explore an initiative have an Icon sporting event in the province.

A Catalyst for Development

The 2026 Premier’s Cup is not merely a series of matches; it is a comprehensive developmental tool. The MSC is particularly encouraged by the EXCO’s instruction to include diverse disciplines:

  • Soccer & Netball: Strengthening our core sporting codes across all districts.
  • Boxing & Indigenous Games: Celebrating our heritage and providing a stage for often-overlooked talent.
  • Rural Outreach: Prioritizing talent identification and scouting for children in our rural communities.

A Collaborative Effort

To ensure this tournament lives up to its “Premier” status, the Mpumalanga Sport Confederation will work hand-in-hand with the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) and all relevant Sport Federations.

We are ready to hit the ground running. Through this collaboration, we will ensure that the technical delivery of the tournament meets the highest standards, ensuring that July 2026 becomes a month where the ‘Magic of the Sun’ truly shines through our athletes.”

The MSC remains dedicated to supporting the Provincial Government’s investment in youth development and social cohesion. We look forward to a tournament that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Media Enquiries:

Xolani Gumede at 082 484 0622

by Ntokozo Simelane

Vumbuka Trust Launches 2026 Community Drive with R1 Million pledge.

Mkhondo –The Vumbuka Trust officially launched its annual Community Social Initiative on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at the posh Wilverdiend Wedding and Events venue, reaffirming its long-term commitment to local development. The event served to showcase the Trust’s Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development programmes for the year. They also distributed application forms to community members and organisations.

Twenty-seven schools participating in the Vumbuka Trust garden competition were honoured. Qalani Lower Primary School from Saul Mkhizeville and Sibahle Primary School from Nkonjaneni shared first place in the garden category, each walking away with R40 000. Matshamhlophe Primary School from Commondale took third place, followed by Welgevond Primary School in fourth and Cabangani Primary School in fifth.

“We are committed as the Vumbuka Trust to help with the development of Mkhondo. We will be here for a very long time helping one another.”

The Trust pledged R1 million to be distributed among approved beneficiaries and presented certificates of recognition to long-standing beneficiaries for their consistent performance. Among the recipients was the Mkhondo Local Football Association, which has partnered with the Trust for 13 years. Since 2014 the association has hosted the annual Vumbuka Trust Cup football tournament featuring six divisions: U13 Boys, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, U17 Boys, Senior Ladies and the Mkhondo Promotion League.

The Trust also support the Mkhondo Netball Association, funding league prizes for the Mkhondo Netball League winners and the annual Vumbuka Trust Netball Tournament. The Trust Chairperson Mrs Jolly Mokorosi delivered a heartfelt address, emphasising the organisation’s dedication to Mkhondo’s growth. “We are committed as Vumbuka Trust to assist with the development of Mkhondo Local Municipality and its people. Vumbuka Trust will be here for a very long time helping one another,” she said. “We also appreciate the role that has been played by our beneficiaries in keeping the spirit of community development alive.”

Mkhondo LFA received a certificate of appreciation at The Vumbuka Trust annual function held on 10 March 2026 at Wilverdiend Guest House, Mkhondo.

Applications for the 2026 Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development funding are now open to community organisations working in sports, arts & culture, conservation, small business development and support, education, food security initiatives including social support (e.g. substance abuse prevention). Individuals and organisations must complete the official application form and submit it by Friday 10 April 2026 at 17:00. The Vumbuka Trust remains fully committed to driving sustainable development across agriculture, small business, sports, arts and culture in Mkhondo for many years to come.



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