Mkhondo LFA DC takes unprecedented decision in knockout competition dispute.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

We want our tournament to hold a certain standard.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gert Sibande Region Playoffs to be held in football loving Mkhondo

The football loving community of Mkhondo will have the pleasure of watching the 2022/23 Gert Sibande Men Regional League Positional Playoffs to be played this coming Sunday 12 March 2023 at the famous at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya. These are the playoffs to determine the overall log standings between Gert Sibande Stream B1&B2. A place in the 2023/23 Mpumalanga Regional League Playoffs is also up for grabs.

The playoffs season came early season due to the fewer number of matches played by both streams, both streams had nine (9) teams each. The positional playoffs are very important to the players and clubs involved. The first match of will be between runners up of both streams playing for 3rd and 4th place followed by the winners of both streams.

The 3rd & 4th place playoff match between runners-up of both streams will play curtain raiser to the main match. The winner of the big match between stream B1 leaders and stream B2 leaders will not only become the overall champions but will qualify for the Mpumalanga Regional League Playoffs. It will be between Msukaligwa LFA side VOC Superstars FC vs Empuluzi Gunners FC from Empuluzi representing Chief Albert Luthuli LFA.

The two teams had the best assembled squad of players this season with VOCFM Super Stars profiting well. They had an unbeaten season winning 13 matches and drawing 3. They will be fancied to go all the way. Empuluzi Gunners FC had a tough season winning 13, drawing 1 and losing 2 matches. They won the league on goal difference against runners up Carolina Young Boys FC having collected 40 points each.

2. GS League Stream B logs as at 03 March 2023
How they finished. The Gert Sibande Men Regional League Stream B1&B2 log standings as at 25 Febraury 2023. The two streams will meet on Sunday 12 March 2023 at Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya, eMkhondo.

Football fanatics should expect to have a true diski experience when the two sides meet in the battle for promotion to the ABC Motsepe League. In the 3rd & 4th place match the competitive Carolina Young Boys FC will take on Amsterdam United FC from Stream B1 in the first match of day. The winner of this match will finish the season in 3rd position.

For those not familiar with the Gert Sibande Men Regional League streams we shall give a small explanation. The current streams were introduced after the resumption of football during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Gert Sibande FA divided the then stream A &B which had 16 teams each and gave rise to Stream A1/A2&B1/B2.  Stream A is made up clubs from Lekwa LFA, Dipaleseng LFA, Govern Mbeki LFA & Pixley ka Isaka Seme LFA. Clubs from stream B come from Chief Albert Luthuli LFA, Msukaligwa LFA & Mkhondo LFA. This arrangement will probably be done away with in the 2023/24 season. There have been talks by the FA to have three (3) streams of 20 teams with Chief Albert Luthuli LFA getting its own stream. It has not been confirmed yet but what has been confirmed are the coming playoffs to be played in Mkhondo on Sunday. Alishe.

Do or Die (Relegation) match to serve the weekend entertainment!

The relegation battle between two bottom clubs fighting for survival in the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League will serve entertainment to the football loving community of Thandukukhanya in Mkhondo. It is a do or die match for the recently promoted Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League side Flymingo United FC. They host relegation rivals Bakoena Chiefs at Mandla Magudulela Stadium in Thandukukhanya, Mkhondo on Saturday 04 March 2023. The home side need to win this match to improve their chances of surviving relegation in their maiden season. The kickoff of the most anticipated match is 3pm CAT.Hot spice has been added to the flavor of the game as unconfirmed reports say that bottom side Kabokweni Future Stars FC has been expelled from the 2022/23 Stream B league season. This comes after the Kabokweni side failed to honour their league match against Destiny College FC on Saturday 18 February 2023. To make matters worse it is alleged that the home side were at the venue when the game was called off but chose not to go to the field. Earlier in the season the club failed to honour a Nedbank match.

Football fanatics at Mandla Magudulela Stadium will be left disappointed if the local team is relegated. They waited for years to have a club competing at the provincial level that is the ABC Motsepe League.

If the club is indeed expelled the log table will drastically change for the better or worse depending on the number of matches played against the expelled team (Future Stars). This will bring some hope to relegation threatened Flymingo United FC as the changes to the log will bring them closer by 3 points ahead of the match against Bakoena Chiefs FC at home on Saturday. In simple language, once the points for Kabokweni Future Stars are deducted the two sides will be separated by 3 points ahead of their match.

The two teams faced each other in the first round which ended 4-3 in favour of Bakoena Chiefs at Mkhuhlu Stadium in November last year. The football loving community of Mkhondo should expect top tier entertainment filled with goals at this clash. Akwaziwa iyophelelaphi lendaba? Boardroom or the field of play, for now all roads lead to Mandla Magudulela Stadium.

To access the latest log please follow this link….ABC Motsepe League B 2022/23 (diski99sportsnews.co.za)

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.

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.

New Mkhondo Promotion League season promise to entertain football fans

Football activities continue to grow with every season providing price less harmless family entertainment fit for every family in the Mkhondo community. The local football fanatics cannot wait to watch the new football season of the Mkhondo Promotion League. The number of clubs affiliated to the Mkhondo LFA for the 2022/23 season currently stands at ninety-four (94). It is expected to reach the hundred (100) mark if Commondale Sub LFA is formed, expected to happen before the end of September 2022.

The league is administered by the Mkhondo Local Football Association together with its affiliates commonly referred to as Sub Local Football Association. Each Sub LFA is responsible for the development of league football and running of the league. Simakade Promotion League is in its second season after it was established in the 2021/22 season by runaway clubs from Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA. Juventus FC the inaugural champions opened this season campaign with a 6-1 drubbing of Peacemakers FC last weekend. They are sitting on top of the league but will be challenged by the likes of Amapansula FC and Bayern FC who both played an exciting 5-5 draw on opening day.

“To add excitement to our game we have decided to have one stream and introduce promotion and relegation between the Promotion and Super League,”

The other leagues falling under the Mkhondo Promotion League will kick off this weekend. Amsterdam Promotion League will kick off on Saturday at Emoyeni Stadium, Amsterdam. There will be also matches on Sunday before the Nedbank Cup match between Regional League teams Amsterdam United and Blue Ocean FC. Sulphur Springs Promotion League will start their 6th season with matches set to play at Emagesini, Wagendrift and Sulphur Springs Grounds on Sunday 11 September 2022. Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League will kick off at eMatafuleni and Nohhemu Sport Grounds on Sunday. The defending champions Kunene FC will take on title chasers Killers FC in what will be the biggest match of the day at Nohhemu Ground at 3pm.

The Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs is the ultimate stage of Mkhondo Promotion League as seen in last season match between Ajax Sweepers FC vs Kunene FC. Ajax Sweepers finnished as runners-up to Total Football United but managed to gain promotion at the Gert Sibande Promotional Playoffs.

Thandukukhanya Promotion League will only kick off the following weekend on 17&18 September 2022. Stream A&B will be combined to make a one stream consisting of twenty (20) teams for the first time since the 2012/13 season. The league secretary Mr. Ntokozo Simelane said the move will help improve competition in the local league. “It is time we make the league more competitive. Our development leagues have produced a lot of players which has led to growth in number of clubs which affected the quality of football played. To add excitement to our game we have decided to have one stream and introduce promotion and relegation between the Promotion and Super League,” said Mr. Simelane.

Football fans will watch the best of Thandukukhanya football with the one stream. The season will feature 2021/22 Mkhondo Promotion League champions Total Football United FC who returns to Promotion League football after failing to gain promotion at the Gert Sibande Regional Playoffs.

Among other important activities of the Mkhondo Local Football Association will be the Annual Congress (AGM) set to take place on Saturday 10 September 2022. A new leadership of the Mkhondo LFA will be elected at the Congress to continue with the work of developing football in Mkhondo.

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.


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.