Tag: Vumbuka Trust Cup

by Ntokozo Simelane

Vumbuka Trust Launches 2026 Community Drive with R1 Million pledge.

Mkhondo –The Vumbuka Trust officially launched its annual Community Social Initiative on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at the posh Wilverdiend Wedding and Events venue, reaffirming its long-term commitment to local development. The event served to showcase the Trust’s Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development programmes for the year. They also distributed application forms to community members and organisations.

Twenty-seven schools participating in the Vumbuka Trust garden competition were honoured. Qalani Lower Primary School from Saul Mkhizeville and Sibahle Primary School from Nkonjaneni shared first place in the garden category, each walking away with R40 000. Matshamhlophe Primary School from Commondale took third place, followed by Welgevond Primary School in fourth and Cabangani Primary School in fifth.

“We are committed as the Vumbuka Trust to help with the development of Mkhondo. We will be here for a very long time helping one another.”

The Trust pledged R1 million to be distributed among approved beneficiaries and presented certificates of recognition to long-standing beneficiaries for their consistent performance. Among the recipients was the Mkhondo Local Football Association, which has partnered with the Trust for 13 years. Since 2014 the association has hosted the annual Vumbuka Trust Cup football tournament featuring six divisions: U13 Boys, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, U17 Boys, Senior Ladies and the Mkhondo Promotion League.

The Trust also support the Mkhondo Netball Association, funding league prizes for the Mkhondo Netball League winners and the annual Vumbuka Trust Netball Tournament. The Trust Chairperson Mrs Jolly Mokorosi delivered a heartfelt address, emphasising the organisation’s dedication to Mkhondo’s growth. “We are committed as Vumbuka Trust to assist with the development of Mkhondo Local Municipality and its people. Vumbuka Trust will be here for a very long time helping one another,” she said. “We also appreciate the role that has been played by our beneficiaries in keeping the spirit of community development alive.”

Mkhondo LFA received a certificate of appreciation at The Vumbuka Trust annual function held on 10 March 2026 at Wilverdiend Guest House, Mkhondo.

Applications for the 2026 Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development funding are now open to community organisations working in sports, arts & culture, conservation, small business development and support, education, food security initiatives including social support (e.g. substance abuse prevention). Individuals and organisations must complete the official application form and submit it by Friday 10 April 2026 at 17:00. The Vumbuka Trust remains fully committed to driving sustainable development across agriculture, small business, sports, arts and culture in Mkhondo for many years to come.



by Ntokozo Simelane

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 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

Biggest Cup Competition in the Region grows bigger

The much loved soccer tournament of all age groups (U13, U15, U17 & U19)has made a huge return this year after the unfortunate one year break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 8th edition of Vumbuka Trust Cup began on Saturday 02 October 2021 with participating clubs from Thandukukhanya Sub Local Football Association.

The biggest tournament in the Gert Sibande Region got bigger with the addition of all clubs affiliated to the Mkhondo Local Football Association. The 2021 edition include teams from outside of Thandukukhanya Sub LFA for the first time in the tournament 7 year history. It is for the first time this year that Vumbuka Trust Cup will include clubs from Amsterdam Sub LFA, Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA and the newly established Simakade Sub LFA which recently separated from Ngema-Dirkiesdorp Sub LFA. It will still feature the usual six (6) divisions (U13, U15 Boys & Girls, U17 boys, Ladies and Men senior division teams).

The tournament is used by the Mkhondo Local Football Association to give away playing kits, match balls and other football equipment to their affiliated clubs.

The addition of the Sub LFAs effectively doubled the amount of sponsorship from R60000 in the 2019 edition to a whooping R120 000 for the current season. The extra cash was included to accomodate Vumbuka Trust Cup preliminary round of matches where each Sub LFA will play a knockout round with the winner qualifying for the main finals on 31 October 2021. Each Sub LFA has been allocated a budget of R10000 for prizes to be won after the preliminaries.

The winner in each Sub LFA will join other winners in the semi finals stage of the tournament set for Saturday 30 October 2021. The 2021 edition of Vumbuka Trust Cup will be played without Saul Mkhizeville, Sinethemba and Siyethemba Sub LFAs. The three (3) Sub LFAs have not registered with the Mkhondo LFA for the new 2021/2022 season, as a result their clubs do not have the required playing cards to participate in the tournament.

Vumbuka Trust Cup under 15 round 2 match between First Touch FC vs Mara Mara FC. First Touch won 2-0 in an exciting round 2 match played at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya on Saturday 23 October 2021.

A meeting and draw for the ladies divisions is set for Monday 16 October 2021 at 5pm at Masenkeni Stadium, Thandukukhanya with the kickoff date set for Saturday 23 October 2021. All ladies clubs based at the Mkhondo Local Municipality area jurisdiction are allowed to enter the competition. There are two divisions for women football i. e. Under 15 girls and senior ladies (open).

The overall winners of the tournament will receive a trophy, gold medals and cash prizes for winning the preliminary round. The main tournament champions will receive a trophy, new kit, match balls and cash on all six (6) divisions.

The runners up will receive silver medals, training equipment, match balls and cash. The tournament is used by the Mkhondo LFA to give away playing kits, match balls and other football equipment to their affiliated clubs. The games continue this weekend with the quarter finals in the Under 17 and Promotion League divisions. The under 13 & under 15 semi finals are set for 23 October 2021 followed by the preliminary finals on Sunday 24 October 2021. Amsterdam, Ngema-Dirkiesdorp and Simakade Sub LFAs will begin playing their preliminaries this weekend on 16&17 October 2021.