Author: Ntokozo Simelane

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 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 Ntokozo Simelane

Prize giving postponed due to protest in the final.

The football results of the Easter weekend left football fans shocked and confused when the expected prize giving was promptly postponed after a cup final. This happened at the Mkhondo Easter Challenge final between Shining Stars FC and Total Football United on Monday 10 April 2023 at the Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya in Mkhondo.

The final was an entertaining six goal thriller and feast for Total Football United who thrashed Shining Stars 6-0 in the final. The recently crowned PG Bison Knockout Cup champions continued where they left off with a pressing game plan, forcing opponents to commit errors and scoring early goals. It took them nine (9) minutes to find the back of the net through a header by Qiniso Mdluli. The led 2-0 ten minutes later when striker Sakhamuzi ‘Ghost’ Msibi beat an offside trap to slot home the second goal. The game momentum did not stop or dip until half time, it was pure football entertainment.

The 2nd half began in the same manner as the 1st half, yes Total Football United scored the 3rd goal of the match soon after the restart. The goal was scored by defender Thabiso Sibiya. The skipper capitalized on the unsuspecting Shining Stars defence and found himself one on one with the keeper before putting the ball inside the net. The fourth goal came in the 20th minute of the 2nd half when Qiniso Mdluli completed his brace. Some fans were seen leaving the stadium after the fourth goal. Shining Stars did not stop attacking in the game but their efforts were stopped by on form keeper Kwanele Mavuso.

“A protest has been launched and money paid as per the rules. This forces us to postpone the prize giving until this matter is resolved.”

The match briefly stopped when Shining Stars FC brought on their protest for signing by both team captains. Soon after Total Football United found the 5th goal when left back Nkosinaye Dladla curled the ball with his right foot coming from the left flank, the keeper did not believe it. The 6th and final goal to dim the light for Shining Stars came 5 minutes before full time to end the match 6-0. It was the first final to end with 6 goals for one side in the seven (7) year history of the Mkhondo Easter Challenge tournament in Thandukukhanya, Mkhondo. As it is now history, the game was the first senior division final to have a protest leading to postponement of a prize giving.

Shining Stars player Lindokuhle Ben Buthelezi on the ball closely watched by Musa “Mabhereza” Vilane of Total Football United. Total Football UTD won 6-0 in thee Mkhondo Easter Challenge final played on Monday 10 April 2023 at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya in Mkhondo.

The celebrations were halted by the protest action lodged by Shining Stars FC. The club alleged that Total Football United used two (2) players that are registered at other leagues.

The players are goalkeeper Kwanele ‘Skwirra’ Mavuso and midfielder Musa ‘Mabhereza’ Vilane. They also alleged that Sakhamuzi ‘Ghost’ Msibi used fraudulent documents to register in the Thandukukhanya Promotion League.

It may not be the first time to witness protest action in a cup final match, but it was the first time that a prize giving had to be postponed. A similar incident happened last year during a Vumbuka Trust Cup Under 15 final match between First Touch Football against Silver Stars FC at Kempville Stadium. Both teams protested against each other for using over aged players. The Mkhondo Local Football Association Disciplinary Committee found both teams to be in violation of the rules. It ruled that the then final score should remain as it was. The prize giving continued, First Touch Football were crowned champions of the division with both clubs handed a warning.

This time around there was no time to get into the boardroom to deal with the case immediately, hence the Mkhondo LFA decided to postpone the prize giving. The DC chair Mr Mduduzi ‘Johnny’ Nkosi asked the clubs to be patient as they deal with the issue. “A protest has been launched and money paid as per the rules. This forces us to postpone the prize giving until this matter is resolved. We will call the club to appear before the DC in due course,” he said.

There has been a lot of debate about the protest with some saying Total Football United won the game convincingly and should be given the trophy. Some have stood with Shining Stars arguing that protests are part of the game. There are also those questioning the use of league rules during tournaments. The debate will probably continue until a decision is made, a decision which will prolong or start a new debate, “kusazokhulunywa’ strong.

by Ntokozo Simelane

PSL Legends impressed by the biggest cup tournament in the Gert Sibande Region

The biggest football tournament finale in the Gert Sibande Region of Mpumalanga played for the 9th time on Sunday Saturday 30 October 2022 at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya, eMkhondo. The Vumbuka Trust Cup 2022 finals were attended by two (2) PSL Legends, Mr. Solomon Mathe and Mr. Bennet Chenene both former Orlando Pirates FC players. The two were impressed by the organization of the tournament by their hosts Vumbuka Trust and Mkhondo Local Football Association.

The 2022 edition featured one hundred and thirty-six (136) teams coming from six (6) different divisions, a far cry from the inaugural tournament which had eighteen (18) Promotion League division teams. The multi division Vumbuka Trust Cup football tournament has been part of the Mkhondo LFA calendar since the 2013/14 season. Madola United FC the inaugural runners-up (lost 3-1 to Comet Riders FC in 2013) became the 2022 champions after a 1-0 win over Khumalo Stars FC in the Promotion League division final played at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya.

An invitation for the Ladies division for the 2022 edition was sent out to all clubs in the Gert Sibande Region of Mpumalanga. Six (6) clubs managed to take part in the tournament which included three (3) from Mkhondo (Losta Stars Ladies, Mkhondo City Stars & Amabhubesi Ladies) and three (3) from outside of Mkhondo (i.e., SASOL Juventus FC, Storm Ladies & Real Madrid). The six (6) were drawn in groups A&B playing round robin with the winner in each group going into the final. Secunda based club SASOL Juventus FC thrashed Real Madrid FC 6-0 in the final to become champions for the first time.

Vumbuka Trust Cup open ladies top goal scorer & player of the tournament Cebolihle Simelane being congratulated by Mr. Bennet Chenene, Mr. Tabi Phiri (ML Ark Group Agency), Mr. Lucky Sigubudu (Mkhondo LFA) and Mr. Solomon Mathe.

Citizen FC became champions of the Under 17 division for the 3rd time in the tournament’s history with a 3-1 defeat of Goodwill Promising FC. The champions scored two quick goals in the first half which killed the game for Goodwill Promising. They pulled one goal back in the 2nd half, but their hopes of a comeback were diminished when Citizen FC scored a third goal late in the 2nd half to win the final 3-1.

The under 15 girls’ final was a lovely entertaining affair between 2021 defending champions Mkhondo City Stars against Shining Stars Ladies. The match went into half time at 0-0 with both sides able to create scoring opportunities. The defending champions experience proved useful in the 2nd half against the newly formed Shining Stars Ladies. They scored three goals to win the final match 3-0 and lifted the under 15 trophy for the 2nd time in succession. The Under 15 girls’ division had six (6) teams this year, an increase from last year’s edition.

 “We are very happy to spend the day watching football eMkhondo. We have seen lots of talent which we hope to see playing professional football in the future. We are very impressed by the football and the organization of the tournament.”

The under 15 division boys’ final between Silver Stars FC and Golden Stars began 20 minutes late due to disagreements during the checking of playing cards. Silver Stars were found with eight (8) fraudulent player cards. The players had to be replaced with one boy having a meltdown because he had invited his parents to watch him play but failed to make it due to a fraudulent card. The boy’s parents were left disappointed but understood that rules are rules. Golden Stars won the final 3-1 against 10 men Silver Stars to win the tournament for the first time in their 2-year history.

The 16 team under 13 division final was a derby made at Eziphunzini and a repeat of the 2021 final between defending champions Citizen FC against Golden Stars FC. The two teams played an entertaining final which ended 1-0 in favour of Golden Stars winning the cup for the first time. The prize giving was held immediately after the Promotion League division final. It was conducted by the Mkhondo LFA Executive together with the guests of honour Mr Solomon Mathe, Mr. Bennet Chenene, Mr. Mokholo Molebeli & Mr. Tabi Phiri of ML Ark Group Agency.

Orlando Pirates FC legends Mr Mathe & Mr Chenene gave words of encouragement to the participating clubs and the association for hosting them. “We are very happy to spend the day watching football eMkhondo. We have seen lots of talent which we hope to see playing professional football in the future. We are very impressed by the football and the organization of the tournament”, said Mr. Mathe. Collegue and ex-teammate Mr. Chenene said they will be available in future if invited to eMkhondo. “We love it here and please invite us again to come watch the games. The hospitality was 100% and the community welcomed us with open arms in Mkhondo, we thank you.”

Fisokuhle Motha (14) was the biggest winner at the 2022 Vumbuka Trust Cup winning Top goal scorer and player of the tournament in both the Under 15 & Under 17 divisions. He helped Citizen FC win the under 17 trophy against Goodwill Promising FC.

The prizes for the winners and runners-up included cash, playing kits, training equipment, first aid kits and match balls. The 2022 edition also included individual prizes in three categories for all divisions i.e. Goalkeeper of the tournament, Top scorer of the tournament and player of the tournament.

The cash prizes for the tournament was restricted to the senior teams only except for the Under 15 girls division which was allocated cash prizes as well. The under 5 girls champions Mkhondo City Stars took home R1500 with the runners-up Shining Stars Ladies getting R1000. The senior Ladies & Promotion League cash prizes were the same for the first time in the tournament’s history. The champions Madola United FC and SASOL Juventus Ladies each pocketed a whooping R7000, The runners up Khumalo Stars FC and Real Madrid FC each received R3000 for their efforts.

Mkhondo LFA Secretary Mr Simelane said he was happy with the allocation of cash prizes. “This will hopefully lead to an increase in funding for the tournament. Two of the trustees of Vumbuka Trust  Mrs Makorosi and Miss Ndimande are very strong caring women and have spoken freely about their love for girl sports and women development in general. They always insist that the prize money must be equal to that of Promotion League teams. The future is looking bright for girls involved in sports eMkhondo.” He concluded by saying, “muningi umsebenzi osimele kulebhola (we have a lot of work to do in our football)”. There were individual prizes for all six (6) divisions categorized into three categories including goalkeeper of the tournament, player of the tournament and top goal scorer of the tournament.

  • Under 13 boys division
  • Madoda won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Sdakw Mkhondo was chosen as player of the tournament.
  • Under 15 girls division
  • Manybi Mkhabela won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Delisile Dube was top goal scorer of the tournament.
  • Asanda Ncube was chosen as player of the tournament.
  • Under 15 boys division
  • Phiwa Manana won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Fisokuhle Motha was top goal scorer of the tournament.
  • Fisokuhle Motha was chosen as player of the tournament.
  • Under 17 Boys division
  • Ayanda Hlatshwayo won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Fisokuhle Motha was top goal scorer of the tournament.
  • Fisokuhle Motha was chosen as player of the tournament.
  • Senior Ladies division
  • Nonkululeko Gcwala won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Cebolihle Simelane was top goal scorer of the tournament.
  • Cebolihle Simelane was chosen as player of the tournament.
  • Promotion League division
  • Celimpilo Jele won goalkeeper of the tournament
  • Sandiso Duma was top goal scorer of the tournament.
  • Mawethu Dlamini was chosen as player of the tournament.
by Ntokozo Simelane

Bashiyeke bengakaneli abalandeli bebhola eMkhondo

Izinkumbi zabalandeli bebhola likanobhujuzwayo zitheleke enkundleni yezemidlalo ethandekayo iMandla Magudulela Stadium, eThandukukhanya ukuzobukela iqembu lasekhaya lidlala umdlalo weNedbank Cup ngoMgqibelo zingu 11 kuMandulo wezi 2022. Inkundla ibigcwele phama! Abalandeli abaqhamuka nxazonke bebezobukela leliqembu lidlala okukuqala ngqa osesigabeni somqhudelwano ABC Motsepe League kulesizini entsha ka 2022/23.

Iqembu lasekhaya iFlymingo United FC lishaywe kabuhlungu ngo 0-2 yiqembu elisanda kusungulwa iBarberton All Stars FC eliphuma eManzana. Amagoli omabili angene ngesiwombe sokuqala lapho ububona ukuthi osokhaya bathwele kanzima. Unozinti weFlymingo United ukwazile ukuvimba amabhola amaningi ebeshaywa abagadli beBarberton All Stars nokwenze ukuthi umdlalo ushintshe ngo 2-0.

Osokhaya bazamile ukuthola umgqigqo ngesiwombe sesibili emuva kokushintsha indlela yokudlala basuke ku 3-5-2 babuyele ku 4-4-2. Kube yiko nje ukuthi belidibene nezinkakha lapha kuBarberton All Stars FC ebiphethe abadlali abangasabi ukubamba ibhola balibeke phansi lidlu’tshani. Kuningi okubhekeke kulona leliqembu laseBarberton ngoba selidlulela esigabeni esilandelayo seNedbank Cup kanye nakuLigi esazosuka.

Abalandeli bebhola laseMkhondo bashiyeke bengakanelisekile kwazise bagcina kudala ukubukela imidlalo ekulelizinga. Empeleni eMkhondo bagcina ukuba kulezinga ngeHome Defenders FC iLigi isabizwa ngoVodacom League kudala. Imibono ngeqembu iFlymingo United miningi kodwa okuqavile ukuthi abalandeli abasha nabadala bafisa ihlezi iphumelela. Sibone iningi labathandi bebhola abaphuma ezindaweni ezakhelene noMkhondo njengabasoPhongolo, eDumbe, Ermelo nakoVolksrust bezobukela lomdlalo obunesasa nje ngokuba khona kwawo.

Omunye wabalandeli uthumele umlayezo kusekela likanobhala woMkhondo LFA ethi, “Sicela ukuthi abaphathi bebhola bangenelele kuleFlymingo United ikwazi ukuthola abadlali asifuni ukumosha izimali zethu sithenge neziphuzo bese iyadliwa. Sizimisele ukushayela sisuke oPhongolo sizoyibuka kulesizini.” Ngokuphazima nje kweso iqembu selinabalandeli nxazonke yinkulu indaba lapha. Ukugcwalisa inkundla kuzoba inyo elula kakhulu ngendlela abalandeli bebhola laseMkhondo bakuthakasele ngakhona ukukhuphuka kweFlymingo United.

Okusobala ke ukuthi wonke obandekayo abaphathi beqembu, abaqeqeshi, abadlali kanye nabalandeli baphapheme futhi babonile ukuthi yinde lendlela esezohanjwa izodinga abomeleleyo. IFlymingo United izohamba lonke izwe laseMpumalanga Province. Umdlalo wokuqala kwi ABC Motsepe League uzodlala khona enkundleni yodumo iMandla Magudulela Stadium zingu 01 kuMfumfu wezi 2022.

Basazodela abalandeli.

by Ntokozo Simelane

SAFA Hold first Inter-LFA Tournament in Decades

A host of amateur footballers who dream of playing professional football got a chance to impress football scouts from different clubs at the inaugural Mayoral Talent Super Cup. The inaugural tournament played during Youth Day weekend starting on June 16 ending on Sunday 19 June 2022 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. It was the first Inter-Sub LFA tournament to be played in over a decade featuring Under 21 &Under 23 division players.

The Mayoral Talent Super Cup teams were made up of players selected from Leagues playing under the Mkhondo Local Football Association. Five (5) Sub LFAs selected their best players to make what is commonly known as squads in football terms. Professional scouts were invited to watch the best of Mkhondo talent. There were two divisions (U21&U23) consisting of six teams each playing round robin matches. The group winners proceeded to the final while the runners-up played for the 3rd place position. Group A winners Thandukukhanya Stream B emerged as the champions of the under 21 championship after defeating Thandukukhanya Stream A 1-0 in the final. Siyethemba Sulphur Springs Sub LFA defeated Amsterdam Sub LFA to take up the 3rd place position of the under 21 division.

Amsterdam Sub LFA won the final of the U23 division 5-4 on penalties after playing an entertaining 0-0 draw against Thandukukhanya Stream A. In the 3rd place playoff Siyethemba Sulphur Springs thrashed Thandukukhanya Stream B 3-0 to add to the their U21 triumph in the same position. It was a beautiful display of football by the best players developed in Mkhondo in the past 9 wasted years.

“The future here is looking bright we will come back in search of more young talent, keep well and listen to your coaches.”

The prize giving included individual awards for the best performing players. In the under 21 division Qiniso Mdluli won player of the tournament, Manqoba Magudulela won keeper of the tournament with the Top Scorer award going to Thandukukhanya Stream B captain Mxolisi Mncube. The under 23 best player award went to 18 year old right back Nhlanhla Hlatshwayo. Amsterdam Sub LFA goalkeeper Sizwe Nhleko won the goalkeeper of the tournament award. The top scorer award was shared by Ngceboyenkosi Kunene and Innocent Maphalala from Thandukukhanya Stream A&B both scoring 2 goals each.

The need or demand for exposure by amateur football players received a boost when the Mkhondo Local Municipality agreed to support the talent scouting competition. Former Amajita (U20) captain and current Tuks FC goalkeeper Dumsani Msibi and player agent Mr Nkosinathi Thomo of @Asa Prosport organised the tournament along with the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The duo presented the tournament proposal to the executive Mayor of Mkhondo who promptly agreed to the project, the rest is history as we are telling it now.

The Exec Mayor of Mkhondo Local Municipality Cllr. MA Simelane gave words of support to the players and assured them more scouts will be invited in the future. He was speaking at the prize giving at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo

The tournament was blessed by Mkhondo Local Municipality Executive Mayor Hon Cllr. Mthokozisi A Simelane. He gave a touching speech at the prize giving ceremony on the importance of assisting local players get exposure and to have sports leagues. “This tournament aims to give exposure to local players as you see we have professional scouts in our midst. I saw it as a need to have this tournament as the executive mayor because this is also part of service delivery. We have huge talent that need to be exposed to professional teams. I will like to thank the LFA, Dumsani Msibi and Nkosinathi Thomo for organising this tournament,” he said.

He congratulated newly promoted side Flymingo United FC for winning promotion to the ABC Motsepe League. The Mayor also appealed to Mkhondo clubs to allow their best players to join the newly promoted club. “Congratulations to the newly promoted Flymingo United you have made us all proud. Our players now have a good chance of showcasing their talent. The team will help our players get exposure and we hope to see them on the field next season,” he said.

The mayor also thanked the Mkhondo LFA Deputy Chairperson Mr Mduduzi Nkosi for keeping the local leagues active. “Mr Nkosi I believe this was also your dream and we must thank you as the association for keeping the dream alive. Let us not kill the project by asking for match balls when Flymingo ask for players to boost the team,” said the Mayor. He appealed to clubs to give their best players to the team and work together for the benefit of Mkhondo football.

The visiting scouts vowed to come back in search of more talent in Mkhondo. One of them was TS Galaxy FC Development Coach Miss Zanele ‘Momo’ Sukazi who hails from Sbethamoya, Mkhondo. Coach Momo was happy to be invited to watch local talent at home. “I am happy to see what is being done here at home to put our football on the map by exposing young talented players. You can be anywhere you can be as players as long as you have respect for parents at home and our coaches. The future here is looking bright we will come back in search of more young talent, keep well and listen to your coaches,” she ended.

Talent scout Mr Nathi Diale thanked the players for a beautiful display of football at the awards ceremony. In his words he said, “Ngithanda ukubonga the organisers of such a beautiful football event but mostly pass my sincere gratitude to the people that made this event possible the players. There’s talent eMkhondo and would like to say to the players please marry your talent with school so that you can always have choices in your career.”

The scouts came from different clubs including TS Galaxy FC, Amazulu FC, Polokwane City FC and Football Academies. Among the people watching the final was former executive Mayor Hon. Cllr. Vusi ‘Sgemegeme’ Motha who could not hold his excitement over the promotion of his club Flymingo United FC. Kusazobamnandi eMkhondo for sure.


by Ntokozo Simelane

Breaking News: League ends in dramatic fashion

The champions of Thandukukhanya Promotion League Stream A for the 2021/22 season has been decided in a dramatic fashion. This happened after the Mkhondo LFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that the match between Comet Riders FC vs Mara Mara FC will not be replayed. The decision was taken earlier this evening (Tuesday 31 May 2022). This effectively means that the club from Ajax will be going to the playoffs for the second time in the club’s history.

The stream A champions won the league on goal difference having tied with Comet Riders FC on 56 points after 22 matches played. Ajax Sweepers scored 66 goals conceding 18 making out a goal difference of +48 goals. Their rivals to the title Comet Riders FC scored 64 goals conceding 23 and ended up with a +41 goal difference. Both clubs won eighteen (18) matches drawing two (2) and only losing two (2) games apiece.

At the disciplinary hearing of the Mkhondo LFA held on Tuesday evening (31 May 2022) Comet Riders FC was represented by Coach Oliver Nkosi. Mara Mara FC was also present represented by club Owner Mr Bazooka Ntuli. The chairperson of the disciplinary committee Mr Mduduzi “Johnny’ Nkosi gave both parties a chance to explain the events that led to their match being called off. The match in question was a rescheduled league match on Saturday 7 May 2022 which played at Kwantombazana Ground, Thandukukhanya. The report received by the association was that the match did not finish because it became dark with three (3) minutes left of play. This raised suspicion which led to an investigation by the LFA hence the appearance of the clubs.

The LFA will have to investigate further otherwise we risk staining our reputation

The evidence presented by both clubs was the same with very few contradictions. It was found that the match did kick-off at the correct time of 3:30pm on Saturday afternoon and that the 2nd half began at 3:35. The disciplinary committee found that there could not be any justification of saying the match did not finish because it was dark and that there was still three (3) minutes left. Speaking to the chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee Mr Johnny Nkosi said this matter will be treated with the utmost care and will be investigated further because it has characteristics of match fixing. “We have reason to suspect that this match and a few others in both streams of Thandukukhanya Promotion League were not done correct. The LFA will have to investigate further otherwise we risk staining our reputation,” he said.

Ajax Sweepers FC will join five (5) other champions on Wednesday afternoon at the draw for the Mkhondo Promotion League 2021/22 season Promotional Playoffs. The others are:

  1. Amsterdam Promotion League champs Amabhubesi FC
  2. Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League champs Kunene FC
  3. Newly formed stream Simakade Promotion League champs Juventus FC
  4. Siyethemba Promotion League champs Black Lion FC
  5. Thandukukhanya Promotion League Stream B champions Total Football United FC

The 2022 Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs will be played this weekend on 04&05 June 2022 at Emoyeni Stadium, Amsterdam in the Mkhondo Local Municipality.