Tag: Mkhondo

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.