Tag: Total Football United FC

by admin

Promotion League season ends with spectacular playoff tournament.

The 2022/23 season of the Mkhondo Promotion League ended with a spectacular playoff tournament featuring six league champions battling to become the undisputed kings of Mkhondo. Total Football United FC reigned supreme by defeating Amabhubesi FC 4-3 on penalties in the final played at Nohhemu Sport Ground, kwaNgema on Sunday 2 July 2023. The win confirmed the team’s status of being the undisputed champions of Mkhondo.

The two-day Mkhondo Promotional Playoffs took place on 1st & 2nd July 2023 at Nohhemu Sport Ground, kwaNgema about 35 kilometres from the Mkhondo CBD. The six champions were divided into groups of two i.e. Group A&B. Winning the group meant a place in the final and qualification to the Regional Playoffs. Group A consisted of Total Football United FC representing Thandukukhanya Sub LFA, Black Lion FC from Sulphur Springs Sub LFA and Rangers FC from Simakade Sub LFA.

Group B consisted of Amabhubesi FC from Amsterdam Sub LFA, Killers FC from Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA and Al Ahly FC from the newly established Commondale Sub LFA. The Commondale Sub LFA participated for the first time after joining the Mkhondo Local Football Association at the start of the 2022/23 season. Al Ahly FC represented the newly established league very well, and judging by the club’s performance the Commondale based league will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Al Ahly drew against Amabhubesi FC and lost to host club Killers FC 2-0 but gave a good performance by debutants.

Amabhubesi FC attacker Simiso Nkosi won player of the tournament at the Mkhondo Local Football Association Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023.

“We promise next time we will give more support. The local mines are willing to assist football development in the area if we approach them correctly.”

The final was a repeat of the 2022 PG Bison Knockout final where Total Football United FC won 4-2 against Amabhubesi. Amabhubesi FC opened the scoresheet via a well taken goal by Kwanele Khumalo in the 40th minute of the 1st half, taking a 1-0 lead into half time.

Shortly After the restart Total Football United got a free kick outside the box. A well taken free kick by Kwanele ‘Demba’ Gule flew straight into the net sending the Total Football faithful into celebration. The beautiful free kick was the last open play goal to be scored at the tournament. It is probably the most talked about goal this season right now. Total Football United keeper Skwira Mavuso saved two penalties helping his side to a 4-3 victory and the Mkhondo Promotion League championship. It is the second consecutive final to be decided on penalties after last season’s final between Total Football United against Ajax Sweepers FC. Ironically Ajax Sweepers went on to qualify for the Men Regional League.

Mkhuseli ‘Kesi’ Vilakazi won top goalscorer award at the Mkhondo LFA Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023. Kesi scored two goals for Black Lion FC in the tournament.

The 2022/23 champions received a trophy and gold medals while the runners-up Amabhubesi FC received silver medals. There were also individual trophies on offer by the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The player of the tournament went to Amabhubesi FC attacker Smiso Nkosi.

The top goal scorer award was taken by Mthuliseni ‘Kesi’ Vilakazi who scored 2 goals for Black Lion FC. The goalkeeper of the tournament award went to Sandile Vilakazi of Al Ahly FC. Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo won the coach of the tournament for guiding his team to victory. It is a well-deserved award for the coach who has won every important trophy this season.

The seasoned coach won the Mkhondo Easter Games and PG Knockout Cup before claiming the Mkhondo Promotion League championship.Beside the lack of sponsorship towards the tournament, support was given to the tournament hosts Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA by local ward councillor Cllr. Mlamuli Mbatha who made sure there was sound system at the venue and tournament match ball.

Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo won coach of the tournament at the MKLFA Playoffs prize giving held at Nohhemu Ground on Sunday 2 July 2023. The coach led his team Total Football United FC to a second consecutive Mkhondo Promotion League championship.

Cllr. Mbatha apologized for not providing more for the tournament but promised to continue supporting sport activities in the area. “We are happy as Ward 3 to host such a beautiful tournament. We promise next time we will give more support. The local mines are willing to assist football development in the area if we approach them correctly”. He also gave word of support at the prize giving promising to work with the association to get sponsors from local business. “Congratulations for reaching the stage of the league. We are happy that you are going to represent all of us as Mkhondo, good luck to both teams,” he concluded to loud applause.

The champions and runners-up have one more hurdle to go through before getting Promotion to the Gert Sibande Men Regional League. The two teams will be involved in the Gert Sibande Promotional Playoffs against teams from Msukaligwa LFA. They will each play a single match that will decide if they get promoted or not. The Regional Playoffs are set for Sunday 16 July 2023 at the much-loved Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya in Mkhondo.

by Ntokozo Simelane

Prize giving postponed due to protest in the final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by admin

Total Football United stamped their authority in the local game: Clean sweep at the PG Bison Knockout Cup

Total Football United stamped their authority in the local game by defending the most sought after PG Bison Knockout Cup title they won last year. The club which is managed by strict disciplinarian coach in Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo, defeated Amabhubesi FC 4-1 in the football final on Sunday 26 March 2023. The 2023 edition of the annual PG Bison Knockout Cup tournament was held for the second time on the weekend of 25&26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo.

The tournament featured eight (8) teams in both football teams drawn from the Mkhondo Promotion League under administration of the Mkhondo Local Football Association. Six (6) of the clubs were drawn from the leaders of the Mkhondo Promotion League 2022/23 season. Two other clubs, Arsenal Eagles FC and Khumalo Stars FC played a preliminary round to qualify and be part of the top 8 tournament. The two clubs had qualified through the preliminary round for seven (7) clubs residing near PG Bison to make a total of eight (8) teams.

The 1st quarter final featured tournament debutants Al Ahly FC from Commondale Promotion League against Amabhubesi FC from the Amsterdam Promotion League. The debutants won 5-4 on penalties after the teams were locked 1-1 at full time. The 2nd quarter final was the repeat of the 2022 final between Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Promotion League leaders Kunene FC against Total Football United from Thandukukhanya Promotion League. The defending champions comfortably won 3 nil to move into the semi-finals.

Every club wish to be part of the tournament but only champions or league leaders qualify for the biggest tournament at LFA level.

The 3rd quarter final produced an exciting 3-2 victory by Khumalo Stars FC from Amsterdam Promotion League over Amapansula FC representing Simakade Promotion League. The match produced boardroom drama that ended in the boardroom on Saturday night. The clubs protested against each other accusing each one another of using fraudulent registered players, Phumlani Khanyile for Amapansula and Zweli Ngwenya an unused substitute for Khumalo Stars.

Total Football United defender Ntando Mavuso won player of the tournament at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo.

The two teams were disqualified by the Mkhondo LFA Disciplinary Committee after they were found guilty of using double registered players. They were replaced by Amabhubesi FC in the semi-finals. In the 4th quarter final Man FC from Sulphur Springs Promotion League appeared for the 1st time in the tournament. They won 2-1 against Thandukukhanya Promotion League side Arsenal Eagles FC to book their place in the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals the defending champions Total Football United made their intentions clear about the cup. They scored two quick goals in the first 10 minutes against tournament debutants Al Ahly FC. The debutants tried to come back with a goal in the 1st half taking the match to 2-1 at half time. After the break Total Football United added two more goals to lead comfortably in the 2nd half by 3 goals to one, before a late goal by Al Ahly to end the match 4-2 at full time. Amabhubesi FC used the second chance to roar louder after the disqualification of Amapansula and Khumalo Stars FC. The lions took the chance with both hands by defeating the other tournament debutants Man FC 3-2 to book their place in the final. They could have scored more goals but their attack was wasteful.

When the final came everyone in the stadium knew that Total Football United would look for an early goal. Amabhubesi FC needed to hold on and not concede early to be safe, but it took captain fantastic Thabiso ‘Tyso’ Sibiya just 5 minutes to score the first goal with a half volley inside the box. Striker Sakhamuzi Msibi added a second goal 4 minutes later. They were already leading 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the final. Amabhubesi coach Nkosinathi “Mgazi”Hlatshwayo was fuming at the bench. He had previously said he will guard against the early attack of Total Football United. Five minutes later Amabhubesi FC pulled one goal back via a well taken free kick by Sergio. This seem to rejuvenate Amabhubesi as they continued to force an equaliser but Total Football keeper Kwanele Mavuso was on tip top form on goals, allowing none till the end of the 1st half.

Kwanele Mavuso won goalkeeper of the tournament for the 2nd time at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 held on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. He is flanked by PG Bison manager Mr. Christo & CLO Mr. Nkosingiphile Hlatshwayo.

The 2nd half began the same way but this time only two goals were scored. Sakhamuzi Msibi took advantage of a loose ball in the box by a sleeping defence to slot his 6th goal of the tournament. The game had just restarted for 5 minutes in the 2nd half, the score already 3-1 to the defending champions.

A few minutes later Amabhubesi committed an unnecessary foul in the opponents half resulting in a free kick. Thabiso Sibiya scooped the ball straight to the goalkeeper’s hands but the keeper failed to do a simple catch of the ball, 4-1 was the score. The game was nonetheless entertaining till the end irrespective of the 4-1 scoresheet. Both sides created and missed chances until it ended 4-1 to eventual champions led by the uncompromising Mr. Thokozani ‘TK’ Hlatshwayo.

They walked away with the trophy, gold medals, two jersey kits and a cool R15 000 cash. The runners up Amabhubesi FC received silver medals, two jersey kits and R10 000. The R5000 cash prize was shared among the two semi-finalists Man FC and Kunene FC who both received R2500. The club also dominated the tournament individual awards, taking all that was on offer on the day. The player of the tournament went to defender Ntando “Spectacular” Mavuso (17). The goalkeeper of the tournament was won by the same player that won it last year, Kwanele “Skwirra” Mavuso. The top goal scorer award went to Sakhamuzi ‘Ghost’ Msibi. The speedy striker netted 2 goals in the final to take up his goal tally to six (6) goals in 3 matches.

Striker Sakhamuzi Msibi won the top goalscorer award at the PG Bison KO Cup 2023 tournament prize giving held on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. He scored 6 goals in 3 games at the tournament.

It was a great tournament for the clubs involved, besides the cash prizes won by the champions, all participating clubs received playing kits, transported to the games and catered for by PG Bison. The fans at the stadium also received meals and soft drinks for the duration of the tournaments.

Every club wish to be part of the tournament but only champions or league leaders qualify for the biggest tournament at LFA level. There has also been talk about establishing a new Sub LFA in the area of PG Bison operations. If that happens a new league stream will be established to cater for clubs residing at Ajax, New Home, Maphepheni, Rustplaas, Derby, Iswepe &Panbult in the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

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.