Author: admin

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 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.

by admin

Total Football United stamped their authority in the local game: Clean sweep at the PG Bison Knockout Cup

Total Football United stamped their authority in the local game by defending the most sought after PG Bison Knockout Cup title they won last year. The club which is managed by strict disciplinarian coach in Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo, defeated Amabhubesi FC 4-1 in the football final on Sunday 26 March 2023. The 2023 edition of the annual PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament was held for the second time on the weekend of 25&26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo.

The tournament featured eight (8) teams in both football teams drawn from the Mkhondo Promotion League under administration of the Mkhondo Local Football Association. Six (6) of the clubs were drawn from the leaders of the Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season. Two other clubs, Arsenal Eagles FC and Khumalo Stars FC played a preliminary round to qualify and be part of the top 8 tournament. The two clubs had qualified through the preliminary round for seven (7) clubs residing near PG Bison to make a total of eight (8) teams.

The 1st quarter final featured tournament debutants Al Ahly FC from Commondale Promotion League against Amabhubesi FC from the Amsterdam Promotion League. The debutants won 5-4 on penalties after the teams were locked 1-1 at full time. The 2nd quarter final was the repeat of the 2022 final between Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League leaders Kunene FC against Total Football United from Thandukukhanya Promotion League. The defending champions comfortably won 3 nil to move into the semi-finals.

Every club wish to be part of the tournament but only champions or league leaders qualify for the biggest tournament at LFA level.

The 3rd quarter final produced an exciting 3-2 victory by Khumalo Stars FC from Amsterdam Promotion League over Amapansula FC representing Simakade Promotion League. The match produced boardroom drama that ended in the boardroom on Saturday night. The clubs protested against each other accusing each one another of using fraudulent registered players, Phumlani Khanyile for Amapansula and Zweli Ngwenya an unused substitute for Khumalo Stars.

Total Football United defender Ntando Mavuso won player of the tournament at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo.

The two teams were disqualified by the Mkhondo LFA Disciplinary Committee after they were found guilty of using double registered players. They were replaced by Amabhubesi FC in the semi-finals. In the 4th quarter final Man FC from Sulphur Springs Promotion League appeared for the 1st time in the tournament. They won 2-1 against Thandukukhanya Promotion League side Arsenal Eagles FC to book their place in the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals the defending champions Total Football United made their intentions clear about the cup. They scored two quick goals in the first 10 minutes against tournament debutants Al Ahly FC. The debutants tried to come back with a goal in the 1st half taking the match to 2-1 at half time. After the break Total Football United added two more goals to lead comfortably in the 2nd half by 3 goals to one, before a late goal by Al Ahly to end the match 4-2 at full time. Amabhubesi FC used the second chance to roar louder after the disqualification of Amapansula and Khumalo Stars FC. The lions took the chance with both hands by defeating the other tournament debutants Man FC 3-2 to book their place in the final. They could have scored more goals but their attack was wasteful.

When the final came everyone in the stadium knew that Total Football United would look for an early goal. Amabhubesi FC needed to hold on and not concede early to be safe, but it took captain fantastic Thabiso ‘Tyso’ Sibiya just 5 minutes to score the first goal with a half volley inside the box. Striker Sakhamuzi Msibi added a second goal 4 minutes later. They were already leading 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the final. Amabhubesi coach Nkosinathi “Mgazi”Hlatshwayo was fuming at the bench. He had previously said he will guard against the early attack of Total Football United. Five minutes later Amabhubesi FC pulled one goal back via a well taken free kick by Sergio. This seem to rejuvenate Amabhubesi as they continued to force an equaliser but Total Football keeper Kwanele Mavuso was on tip top form on goals, allowing none till the end of the 1st half.

Kwanele Mavuso won goalkeeper of the tournament for the 2nd time at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 held on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. He is flanked by PG Bison manager Mr. Christo & CLO Mr. Nkosingiphile Hlatshwayo.

The 2nd half began the same way but this time only two goals were scored. Sakhamuzi Msibi took advantage of a loose ball in the box by a sleeping defence to slot his 6th goal of the tournament. The game had just restarted for 5 minutes in the 2nd half, the score already 3-1 to the defending champions.

A few minutes later Amabhubesi committed an unnecessary foul in the opponents half resulting in a free kick. Thabiso Sibiya scooped the ball straight to the goalkeeper’s hands but the keeper failed to do a simple catch of the ball, 4-1 was the score. The game was nonetheless entertaining till the end irrespective of the 4-1 scoresheet. Both sides created and missed chances until it ended 4-1 to eventual champions led by the uncompromising Mr. Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo.

They walked away with the trophy, gold medals, two jersey kits and a cool R15 000 cash. The runners up Amabhubesi FC received silver medals, two jersey kits and R10 000. The R5000 cash prize was shared among the two semi-finalists Man FC and Kunene FC who both received R2500. The club also dominated the tournament individual awards, taking all that was on offer on the day. The player of the tournament went to defender Ntando “Spectacular” Mavuso (17). The goalkeeper of the tournament was won by the same player that won it last year, Kwanele “Skwirra” Mavuso. The top goal scorer award went to Sakhamuzi ‘Ghost’ Msibi. The speedy striker netted 2 goals in the final to take up his goal tally to six (6) goals in 3 matches.

Striker Sakhamuzi Msibi won the top goalscorer award at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 tournament prize giving held on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. He scored 6 goals in 3 games at the tournament.

It was a great tournament for the clubs involved, besides the cash prizes won by the champions, all participating clubs received playing kits, transported to the games and catered for by PG Bison. The fans at the stadium also received meals and soft drinks for the duration of the tournaments.

Every club wish to be part of the tournament but only champions or league leaders qualify for the biggest tournament at LFA level. There has also been talk about establishing a new Sub LFA in the area of PG Bison operations. If that happens a new league stream will be established to cater for clubs residing at Ajax, New Home, Maphepheni, Rustplaas, Derby, Iswepe &Panbult in the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

by admin

Mlilo Combined School live up to their name in netball cup final: Too hot to handle!

The best netball talent was on display at the PG Bison Knockout Cup 2023 tournament at the Kempville Stadium playing court on Saturday 25 March 2023 in Mkhondo. Mlilo Combined School from Rustplaas, won their first trophy while producing breath-taking performances. They lived up to their name -means fire in isiZulu- by playing exciting fast netball which was literally fire to their opponents. They won by 15 to 10 against 2022 runners-up Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary in the final. A total of eight schools took part in the tournament featuring mostly secondary schools.

The Mkhondo Netball Association took charge of the netball tournament logistics. They facilitated the draw and fixtures, provided umpires and chose round robin plus knockout as the format of the netball tournament. The games were played in two halves of seven (7) minutes each. The court was in perfect shape. PG Bison paid for the renovation and painting of the playing court surface. The weather was cool with the sun occasionally appearing. The only heat came from the netball court. Mlilo Combined was hot as their name suggest at this year’s netball tournament. They started slowly in Group B against Inqubeko Secondary whom they beat 10-8 in the first match.

Nosipho Vilakazi of Amadlelo Aluhlaza was chosen as the best netball player of the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 at the prize giving was held at Kempville Stadium.

They met Amadlelo Aluhlaza in the second game and won 6-4, it was very close match. In the last group match they faced Kempsiding Combined beating them 12-3. Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary finished as runners up to Mlilo Combined in Group B. They won 13-0 against Kempsiding Combined and 12-5 against Inqubeko Secondary.

Group A was dominated by Ndlela Secondary School who were favourites and defending champions. Like Mlilo they won all their Group A matches to qualify for the semi-finals. They walloped Salem Combined 13-0 then beat PR Combined 7-3 and thrashed Ubuhlebuzile Secondary 7-3. They finished on top of group A scoring a total of 29 points in the process.

“As PG Bison we are delighted to be part of this a great tournament where girls showcase their netball talent. We will be here for more years to come if things keep like this.”

The first semi-final pitted defending champions Ndlela Secondary against Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary. Amadlelo triumphed over their rivals scoring 8 points to 4, knocking out the defending champions. They owned the tournament favorites tag on the way to the final. The 2022 runners up Ubuhlebuzile Secondary were looking at doing better this year. Unfortunately for them they had to go past the on form Mlilo Combined. The task proved to be too hot to handle for Ubuhlebuzile Secondary as Mlilo Secondary registered 24 against 8 on the scoresheet.

Ncamisile Nxumalo from Mlilo Combined won Best Shooter at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 Netball prize giving held at Kempville Stadium.

The final between Mlilo Combined vs Amadlelo Aluhlaza produced some of the best netball matches to be seen in Mkhondo. Mlilo was just too hot and well-prepared for this final. Amadlelo Aluhlaza wanted the trophy by all means, they wanted to do better than the 4th place finish last year. The game was an end-to-end match. It was fast and exciting. Mlilo Combined School scored a total of 15 goals to Amadlelo Aluhlaza’s 10 to win the cup for the first time.

The champions walked away with a trophy, gold medals, 2 netball kits and R15 000 cash. The runners up Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary received silver medals, 2 netball kits and R10 000 cash. The 3rd place finishers Ndlela Secondary received bronze medals and R5000 cash. There were also individual prizes in the tournament. Ncamisile Nxumalo from Mlilo Combined won Best Shooter of The Tournament. The Defender of The Tournament was won by Palesa Nkambule who is doing grade 11 Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary. Grade 11 player pupil Nosipho Vilakazi of Amadlelo Aluhlaza was chosen as the best player of the tournament. It was the best sport tournament with great benefits to the clubs. The game was enjoyed by PG Bison executives and managers who watched the best talent on display from the side-lines of the court.

Palesa Nkambule won best defender at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 Netball prize giving was held at Kempville Stadium.

The game found itself new fans who vowed that the tournament must continue. One of them was Communications Manager Miss Nombuso Mwelase. She was impressed by the standard of netball played by the girls. She said the girls played to tier netball and suggested that they must play a netball league. “I am really impressed by the way the girls play netball here. They do understand the rules and respect umpires. As PG Bison we are delighted to be part of this great tournament where girls showcase their netball talent. We will be here for more years to come if things keep like this.” she said.

Apart from the prizes won PG Bison also provided transport and brand-new playing attire for all participants. The fans at the stadium were also catered for in terms of food and drinks. There was also a VIP section for PG Bison management including guests. Kids played in jumping castles and received party packs as well. The safety in the stadium was guaranteed by security personnel who made sure intoxicated people were not let inside the stadium. It was a family affair which rewarded everyone, the clubs, players, referees, fans, commentators and community at large. A great contribution to the development of sports.

by admin

Mkhondo LFA DC takes unprecedented decision in knockout competition dispute.

The Mkhondo Local Football Association DC took an unprecedented decision in a knockout competition dispute on Saturday evening of 25 March 2023. The football governing body through its disciplinary committee disqualified Amapansula FC and Khumalo Stars FC from the PG Bison Knockout Cup. The clubs were disqualified for using double registered players without clearances.

The teams had lodged protests against each other in the 3rd quarter final match which ended 3-2 to Khumalo Stars. Amapansula were the first team to protest at the beginning of the match. They alleged that Zola Ngwenya had appeared for Big Five FC in the Simakade Promotion League. The player did not play in the match but appeared on the substitute’s bench list for Khumalo Stars team sheet. At half time with the score at 2-0 in favour of Khumalo Stars another protest was lodged, this time it was Khumalo Stars protesting about Phumlani Khanyile who appeared for Amapansula. They alleged that Khanyile was registered with Comet Riders FC in the Thandukukhanya Promotion League, which turned out to be true.

The Disciplinary Committee ruled that both teams be disqualified after it was found that both players were indeed double registered.

The protest actions put a blemish to what would have been a great entertaining match. Khumalo Stars won 3-2 on the field of play but had to face the Disciplinary Committee inside the boardroom. The two teams produced entertaining football filled with 5 goals but the game was decided in the boardroom. It is in the boardroom that an unprecedented decision was taken by the Mkhondo LFA DC. The Disciplinary Committee ruled that both teams be disqualified after it was found that both players were indeed double registered.

The match between Amapansula FC vs Khumalo Stars FC was stopped twice to allow protest actions from both teams. In the end both teams were disqualified for using improperly registered players. The two teams played on Saturday 25 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium.

Amabhubesi FC get to roar again. They lost on penalties in the 1st quarter final but back as replacement after disqualification of the two teams. The Mkhondo LFA DC ruled that Amabhubesi FC will go through as the best losers compared to the other quarter finalists. Kunene FC (lost 1-3 v Total Football United FC), Arsenal Eagles FC (lost 1-2 v Man FC). Amabhubesi lost 5-4 on penalties after playing a 1 all draw against Al Ahly FC. Just like that, they live again.

Day 2 will open with defending champions Total Football United FC facing Al Ahly FC from the newly formed Commondale Promotion League. Amabhubesi will get a chance to roar once again when they face Sulphur Springs Promotion League side Man FC in the 2nd semi-final. The games begin at 8am on Sunday 26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. A big trophy awaits the champions. Finalists will play using brand new attire in the final.

The winner will get a big trophy, gold medals and R15 000 cash prize money. The runners up to receive R10 000 and R5000 to be shared between the semi-finalists. LFA (Local) football will never be the same again if sponsors like PG Bison continue to do business.

by admin

Old time rivals to kick-off SASOL League

The Mpumalanga SASOL League season gets underway this weekend on Sunday, 12 March 2023. The league begins with the home side Losta Stars Ladies FC playing kwaNdebele based side Two Touch FC. The kickoff is 11am at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, the new host venue for Losta Stars Ladies in the 2023 season. The 11am kick-off is due to the Gert Sibande Men Regional League positional playoffs to play at the same stadium.

The two clubs will be meeting for the 6th time in the Mpumalanga SASOL League. In the previous encounters, Two Touch FC had an upper hand against Losta Stars Ladies. In the ten (10) matches they have played against each other since the 2017 season, Two Touch got the better of Losta Stars Ladies winning six (6), losing two (2) and drawing two (2) matches. The home side will want to avoid losing in front of their home fans against a side playing far away from home at KwaNdebele. The match is expected to have a sizable crowd of fans cheering on the ladies. The added crowd will come from the visiting fans coming to watch the Gert Sibande Men Regional League Positional Playoffs set to take place in the same venue.

The eighteen (18) team league will once again play using streams A&B as has been the norm for the past three (3) seasons. The two-stream league, however, has always been played against the wishes of the SAFA Competitions Committee of having one league stream of sixteen (16) teams per season. In a regular world, the provincial administration of SAFA word should prevail, but clubs always have the last say on the matter. The clubs are happy to play the two-stream league, which saves them a great deal on transport costs.

This may be due to the prize monies ‘owed’ to the clubs. It is not clear how much clubs get as their grant money for participating in the SASOL League. It is a mystery, but the money should range at about R35000 per season. We know it is there but not sure how much. The moment football topics get to that of grants no one -club owner or SAFA administrator- talks straight. They prefer long unending stories of transport, affiliation in advance, playing kit etc. until you get lost in the conversation.

The nine (9) team Stream A consist of mainly clubs from SAFA eHlanzeni & Botshabelo Regions while Stream B consist of clubs from Gert Sibande and eNkangala Regions. The league streams have been divided to keep the travelling between clubs shorter. Clubs that come from the same place or closer to each other have been kept in the same stream.

The league season is expected to end in July 2023 to be followed by the positional playoffs between the two streams. The winner of the champions match qualifies for the national playoffs. The winner and runner up at the national playoffs get to be promoted to the Hollywood Bets Championship.

by admin

PG Bison Knockout Cup returns for the 2nd consecutive year.

The PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament is coming back for the 2nd time eMkhondo. The Mkhondo LFA executive committee members comprising of the Chairperson Mr Nhlanhla Mkhonza, 2nd Deputy Chairperson Mr Mduduzi Nkosi and Secretary Mr Ntokozo Simelane met with PG Bison Community Liaison officer Mr Nkosingiphile Hlatshwayo on Wednesday 8 March 2023.

The parties met at the PG Bison Community Liaison Office situated in Retief Street, Alfa Building, eMkhondo. The meeting was about the highly anticipated PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament to be held on the weekend of 25&26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo The 2nd annual games will again feature eight (8) football clubs and eight (8) school netball teams. The meeting focused mainly on football, but Mr. Hlatshwayo mentioned that netball will be contested by schools under the guidance of Mr. Sibonelo Mkhwanazi, the Mkhondo Netball Association Chairperson. He sought input from the Mkhondo LFA on the criteria to be used to choose football clubs.

“We want our tournament to hold a certain standard.”

The Mkhondo LFA Chairperson Mr. Mkhonza first thanked Mr. Hlatshwayo and PG Bison for the respect given to the association by involving them at the early stages. “We would like to thank PG Bison for once more inviting the LFA to be part of this big sport event and also acknowledging the fact that we are the custodians of football in Mkhondo. We are grateful and promise to deliver another spectacular tournament.” The opening remarks of the Chairperson set the tone of the LFA towards this tournament. The tone silently said, “We are not letting go of this one. We are within.” The meeting continued very well occasionally touching base with last season’s tournament and what was to be improved depending on availability of funds, of course.

Mr. Hlatshwayo said there won’t be any changes even though the budget for the tournament will be thinner. “We obviously not going to decrease the cash prizes for the clubs but will keep it the same as last year. PG Bison will still provide playing attire to the clubs, transport to and from games plus catering for all participants,” he said. There will also be entertainment for kids with jumping castles and water slides provided that the weather favours us. PG Bison will also assist the Mkhondo Local Municipality by renovating the playing surface of the playing court inside the stadium where the netball games will take place. “We want our tournament to hold a certain standard,” said Mr. Hlatshwayo. Apart from the playing jerseys, catering and transport provided to clubs, the tournament carries a whooping R15 000 cash prize money for the champions in both football and netball.

The tournament is graced by the top management of PG Bison, one of the biggest companies in South Africa and biggest employer in Mkhondo. Seen here at last year’s edition is company CEO Mr. Gehard Victor and head of Human Capital & Stakeholder Relations Mr. Sibusiso Dlamini at the opening ceremony.

The Mkhondo LFA, as the custodian of all football activities, decided on the criteria for the eight (8) participating clubs. The association, which has eighty-five (85) affiliated clubs under its wing, decided on choosing all six (6) leaders of the current Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season as the participants. The Promotion League is spread around the Mkhondo Local Municipality area jurisdiction. The other two teams will come from clubs that are very close to the PG Bison. They are also affiliated with the Mkhondo LFA. There are seven clubs in total, and they will have to play a preliminary knockout round to determine the two clubs to join the Promotion League leaders.

The seven (7) clubs to contest for the two spaces are: Ajax Sweepers FC &Arsenal Eagles FC both from Ajax, Goodwill Promising & India Kilo FC both from Maphepheni, Khumalo Stars FC from Rustplaas, Two For Joy FC from Hlalangenkani and Ward 6 Brazilians FC from Derby. The draw for the preliminary round has been set for 5pm on Monday 13 March 2023 at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya.

The Mkhondo LFA said they will be looking for other stakeholders to sponsor a new league stream in the area of Ajax, Maphepheni, New Home, Rustplaas, Derby, Daliya, Witraand, Iswepe and Panbult. The challenge will be finding clubs willing to participate in league football as clubs that side are used to playing for money, not points. An establishment of a league will help the association in future to easily decide participants from the area closer to PG Bison.