Category: Women Sports

by Ntokozo Simelane

Prestigious Netball World Cup Trophy received with fanfare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by admin

Girls’ tournament inspires hope, boost league football development.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 admin

PG Bison giving back to community is a huge boost towards sports development

Sports development received a huge boost with the launch of a new tournament catering for football and netball on Saturday 21 May 2022 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. The inaugural PG Bison Knockout Cup featured eight (8) football clubs and eight (8) netball teams made up of local schools over two days. The netball tournament played for one day while football played over two days.

PG Bison Executive for Human Capital& Stakeholder Relations Mr Sibusiso Dlamini opened the tournament by thanking the community of Mkhondo fo gracing the event. He introduced the top brass of PG Bison management which included the CEO of the company Mr Gerhard Victor. The top management of the company graced the tournament to show support and give surety that PG Bison will continue to support the community of Mkhondo.

This was echoed by Mr Dlamini,”We are happy to contribute to the development of Mkhondo not only in sports but other sectors as well. This tournament will be played annually here just like it has been played at our other facility at Ugie, Eastern Cape. To us this is not just a tournament but an important community engagement. We get to socialize with members of the community,” he said. The clubs and fans applauded the good news of having a new tournament added to the Mkhondo sports calendar.

“To us this is not just a tournament but an important community engagement. We get to socialize with members of the community”

Ndlela Secondary vs Ubuhlebuzile Secondary Schools met twice in the tournament. Ndlela won 14-8 in the group stages and 6-2 in the final to lift the first ever PG Bison Knockout Cup netball trophy.

The eight (8) netball teams were divided into groups A&B. Amadlelo Aluhlaza Secondary School finished on top of Group A followed by Mlilo Combined School. In Group B Ndlela Secondary School finished on top followed by Ubuhlebuzile Secondary School. The semi-finals had to be moved to PR Combined School court after the court at Kempville Stadium became unplayable due to slippery surface which was becoming dangerous to the players. In the 1st semi-final Ubuhlebuzile Secondary defeated Amadlelo Aluhlaza 5-4 to reach the final. Ndlela Secondary cruised into the final with an 11-6 win in the 2nd semi-final against Mlilo Combined School. In the final match Ndlela Secondary School claimed their first ever PG Bison Knockout Cup trophy with a 6-2 win over Ubuhlebuzile Secondary School and claimed the bragging rights of being Mkhondo netball champions.

In football Total Football United FC from Phola Park claimed the inaugural trophy by a 2-0 win over Kunene FC from kwaNgema in the final on Sunday 22 May 2022. The 1st goal came as early as the 4th minute when the defence was caught unaware. Total Football scored the second goal just minutes before half time to take the game to 2-0 at half time. Kunene FC tried to come back into the game in the 2nd half but their opponents’ defence was rock solid helped by player of the tournament Kwanele Mavuso (19) who kept a well-deserved clean sheet. The youngster also won goalkeeper of the tournament for his exploits. He conceded one goal in the quarter final match against Arsenal Eagles FC before saving his team on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Kwanele kept a clean sheet in the semi-final against Ajax Sweepers FC then saved three penalties to send his team to the final.

None of the clubs spent money to participate, if money was used it was to pay the muthi men.

Total Football United keeper Kwanele Mavuso (19) won goalkeeper and player of the tournament awards for his performance in the PG Bison Knockout Cup. The future star conceded one goal and saved penalties to send his team to the final.

The winners of each sport code received a whooping R15000 cash, a trophy with medals plus a brand new kit which they used in final game. Runners-up received R10000, a kit and silver medals. The 3rd placed teams (Mllo Combined School & India Kilo FC) received R5000 cash plus bronze medals. The finalists were the big winners as they both received brand new playing kit in addition to the kits they received at the start of the tournament. This was a different tournament and huge boost to the clubs. None of the clubs spent money to participate, if money was used it was to pay the muthi men. Clubs were transported and provided with food for the two days. Each club in both codes received brand new playing kits which they received on the eve of the tournament.

Mr Ntokozo Simelane representing both the Mkhondo Local Municipality and the Mkhondo Local Sport Council said he was grateful to the sponsors for supporting sports. He thanked the sponsors for a good tournament and spending time with the community watching the matches. “We are very blessed to be graced with thee top management of PG Bison. We are not used to having so many top brass at our tournaments, we are happy for they are here,” he said. He went on to ask other areas such as Rustplaas, Iswepe, Panbult, eNtombe etc. to join the Mkhondo Local Football Association to play League football. He said clubs will be able to be part of the annual tournament if they play league football.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Vumbuka Trust Cup wraps up this weekend

Cup tournaments are always full of excitement, entertainment and drama. It matters not if the tournament is played by professional athletes or amateurs. Since the beginning of October 2021 the Vumbuka Trust Cup has been dishing delicious football entertainment to football fanatics in Mkhondo. The biggest cup tournament in the Gert Sibande Region of Mpumalanga wraps up this weekend on Sunday 21 November 2021 where six (6) divisions will be playing the finals from 8am.

The football pitch is where the fun has been found, while the boardroom has been filled with drama coming from the pitch. The fun is provided through matches coming from six football divisions of the Mkhondo Local Football Association: U13, U15, U17, U15 girls, Ladies and Mkhondo Promotion League. A record number of clubs entered to play this year’s tournament. This increase was due to the addition of clubs from other Sub LFAs affiliated under the Mkhondo Local Football Association. Apart from the original hosts Thandukukhanya Sub LFA the association added Amsterdam, Ngema-Dirkiesdorp, Siyethemba Sulphur Springs and the newly established Simakade Sub LFA. Each Sub LFA played an elimination round producing their own champions.

The development teams which included the boys (under 13, U15 & U17) played the majority of matches during the school holidays. The under 13 final is not yet decided due to a dispute between Thandolokukhanya FC vs Citizen FC which the Mkhondo LFA has ruled to be replayed on Saturday 20 November 2021. The winner will face Golden Stars FC in the final. The under 15 division will be contested by Silver Stars FC vs First Touch FC while the under 17 division final will be between Mangosuthu rivals Mara Mara vs Comet Riders FC.

The total sponsorship amounts to a whooping R120 000 from the sponsors Vumbuka Trust, a BBBEE partner at TWK. Previously the prizes have included playing equipment for all the finalists and this year the same is expected.
Vumbuka Trust Cup 2021 Ladies division. Losta Stars Ladies FC 0 Diski Queens 0. Losta Stars Ladies FC won the semi final match 6-5 on penalties on Saturday 30 October 2021 at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya. The final will be contested by Losta Stars Ladies vs Saul Mkhizeville Ladies on Sunday 21 November 2021.

The girls under 15 had the same number of teams as the 2019 edition i.e. four teams. They played a round robin format leaving the top two teams Mkhondo City Stars vs Saul Mkhizeville Ladies to contest the final. Eleven Stars Ladies and Mara Mara Ladies finished on 3rd and 4th positions.

The senior ladies division featured eleven (11) teams playing a knockout round. The final will be contested by SASOL League side Losta Stars Ladies against newly formed Saul Mkhizeville Ladies. The Saul Mkhizeville Ladies are the underdogs but are expected to put up a brave fight on Sunday against 2019 runners-up Losta Stars Ladies FC.

The Sub LFA champions were involved in the semi finals on Sunday 14 November 2021 at Kempville Stadium. Blck Luion FC from Sulphur Springs will contest the final against Atletico Madrid FC from eMabola at the main finale at 3pm. The all division finale will begin with the Under 13 final at 8am followed by Under 15 girls, Under 15 boys, Under 17 boys, Ladies final and the Promotion League final at 3pm on Sunday 21 November 2021 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. Winners will then be crowned after the seniors final with prizes to be awarded to the champions and runners-up.

The total sponsorship amounts to a whooping R120 000 from the sponsors Vumbuka Trust, a BBBEE partner at TWK. Previously the prizes have included playing equipment for all the finalists and this year the same is expected. The senior ladies and male teams previously received playing equipment and cash as prizes. Each division will receive a champion trophy, and Gold medals while the runners up receive silver medals.

by admin

Netball claims number 2 spot as most played sport in the region

Netball has rightfully claimed the number two (2) spot as the 2nd most played sport in the Mkhondo Local Municipality area jurisdiction. This was evidenced at the Mkhondo Netball League championship finale held at Thokozani Sport Centre, Thandukukhanya on Saturday 9 October 2021.

The netball governing body Mkhondo Netball Association made history with the record number of teams and matches that played in their 2021 calendar year. Apart from the occasional tournaments during the year, a total of 25 teams participated in the first ever Mkhondo Netball League which began at kwaNgema Trust, Mkhondo in May this year. The perseverance by members of the Mkhondo Netball Association paid off in a manner they themselves did not see coming. The league was launched with 10 teams but interest from other teams quickly grew the number of teams to 25. This led the association restart the league and introduce streams. Teams were divided into three streams/groups (A, B&C). The league matches were played at different venues including Lindelani Playing Courts at Saul Mkhizeville; Emoyeni Stadium, Amsterdam; Nohhemu Sport Grounds, Ngema Trust and at Thokozani Sport Centre in Thandukukhanya.

Rockstars Netball Club won the Stream ‘A’ championship which was made of the strongest teams including three male teams playing exhibition matches in the same group as the ladies. The champions defeated Black Mountain NC in the battle for first place while the 3rs place position was occupied by Commondale NC finished at 3rd place. At Stream B Troublemakers from Iswepe were crowned champions with 3rd place going to Libhaba NC from Commondale. The stream (C) containing the future of Mkhondo netball was won by DP Young Stars NC from Ajax. The runners up Real Stars NC also came from Ajax. The 3rd place position was occupied by the Commondale B team.

“As long as you continue playing beautiful like this the municipality will support all your activities,”

Mkhondo Netball League action from the final games held on Saturday 9 October 2021 at Thokozani Sport Center, Thandukhanya. Some matches were played by both male and females to assist with male teams development.

The prize giving was held immediately after the final matches. The office of executive Mayor of Mkhondo Hon. Cllr. Vusi Motha supported the games by providing the prizes which included playing attire, match balls, training equipment, trophies and medals.

The three male teams (Mkhondo, Libhaba & Commondale) played a supporting role at Stream A but were not included in the prize ceremony since they are still at development stage according to the organisers.

The association through the Chairperson Mr Sibonelo Shiba said they hope to have more male teams when the league resumes again next year. “We want to build on the success of our 2021 season and improve where we lack especially the male teams. We want to spread the netball league to faraway places of Mkhondo. Our challenge will be transport costs but we hope that other stakeholders will join the municipality to sponsor the league,” he said.