Category: Football

by Ntokozo Simelane

Gert Sibande Hollywoodbets Regional League kicks off with major restructuring to cut travel costs

Grassroots football in Gert Sibande is set for an exciting new era as the Hollywoodbets Regional League begins its 2026/27 season on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The Regional Association has expanded the competition from four streams last season to six this term. For the first time since the Regional League was introduced in the late 1990s, matches will be contested locally at Local Football Association (LFA) level.

This change significantly reduces travel distances and costs for clubs. Teams will now primarily face opponents from within their own local municipality. Clubs from different LFAs will only meet during the promotional playoffs at the end of the season as they battle for promotion to the Provincial ABC Motsepe League. The restructuring is expected to ease the financial burden on club owners. Last season, some teams were spending as much as R4,000 to travel 100 kilometres for away fixtures. Under the new format, no side will face such long journeys.

‘We will continue with the league since it will now be playing around Mkhondo. Maybe the transport will be affordable this season.”

In the Mkhondo Local Municipality stream, nine teams are registered, including Jericho Ocean FC, the 2025/26 Mkhondo Promotion League champions. For Jericho Ocean, the longest away trip will be approximately 76 kilometres — from Amsterdam to Ematafuleni in KwaNgema to face Juventus FC. The biggest LFA in the Region is Chief Albert Luthuli LFA which has two streams. This is mainly due to the vastness of the Municipality. It is the only municipality where one can travel 100km without leaving it’s jurisdiction. They will be involved in Stream E & Stream F.

The development of football in the area is also boosted by the support given by political leadership. The Executive Mayor Jon Cllr. Mbuso Magubane is not only the first citizen but also the number one supporter of football. He established Fernie Battalions FC which is campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League alongside Carolina Young Boys FC and Luthuli Brigades FC, all coming from the Chief Albert Luthuli LFA.

Officials and club representatives believe the localised format will revive long-standing rivalries while creating fresh local derbies. With reduced travel expenses, clubs can redirect limited resources toward player development, kit, and match-day operations. “We are relieved as clubs, the travelling costs are unbearable. We will now be able to concentrate on other things like getting more balls for training and payment of referees,” said Teekay Hlatshwayo of Mkhondo Total Football United. Shining Stars FC chairman Mr. Mandla Sikhosana also weighed in on the recent changes saying they will stay on another season. He had previously hinted on leaving the league towards the end of the 2025/2026 season. ‘We will continue with the league since it will now be playing around Mkhondo. Maybe the transport will be affordable this season.”

As the 2026/27 campaign gets under way this weekend, attention will turn to which sides can dominate their streams and advance through the promotional playoffs toward the next level of South African football.

The six new streams are structured as follows:

Stream A: Based in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality and Dipaleseng Local Municipality (14 teams).

Stream B: Based in Lekwa Local Municipality and Dr Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality (9 teams).

Stream C: Based in Msukaligwa Local Municipality (9 teams).

Stream D: Based in Mkhondo Local Municipality (9 teams).

Stream E: Based in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality (9 teams).

Stream F: Based in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality (8 teams).

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

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

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 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

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.