To commemorate winning the GLFA League title for the 2022/23 season, Tedstoneville’s AC Milan FC hosted its club awards in Lambton.
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In February, the AC Milan FC U13 team won the league after beating ST Fusquin FC 3-1, Mighty Brothers FC 3-0 and Burning Stars FC 11-0.
Winning the league promoted the squad to compete in the Safa Ekurhuleni Regional League.
Chairperson of the club Prince Ralushe congratulated the U13 boys and commended their dedication throughout the season.
He said having all of the club’s divisions compete in the Ekurhuleni regional league was in accordance with the club’s vision.
“Our U14s won the GLFA championship 21/22 season. They were promoted to the U17 division of the SAFA regional league. The Ekurhuleni league’s U13 team will compete as a U15 team starting in mid-April,” said Ralushe.
Even though they are over the moon, he claimed they cannot ignore the reality that there were obstacles to overcome throughout the season.
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“The club was established in response to the Ekurhuleni municipality’s announcement that residents of Pomona would be relocated to a plot of land in Tedstoneville.
“The community objected. We created the club to make use of that space.
“This resulted in hope and the revival of dreams. We provide daily inspiration for our children. They are writing their own history because their legacy and history are being written by themselves.
“Throughout the challenging season, we remained unwavering, owing to management. The community is wonderful because of the support provided by the coaches.
“We occasionally had to play three or more games per day. The coaches did a great job in preparing the boys to stay mentally sharp and physically fit.”
Ralushe said the team held soccer trials earlier this year to strengthen its squad before competing in the Safa Ekurhuleni League.
“Leading up to the start of the league in April, we will play friendly matches. One night our sports field poles were cut and sold to a scrapyard.
“As a result of our sports fields being vandalised, we are also still in talks with schools about using their fields as training grounds.”
According to Ralushe, the U13s were awarded the trophies in recognition of their successful season.
“We hoped to raise their spirits and motivate them to keep playing their best. We presented them with medals, trophies, and certificates and a lunch was served.
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“It was challenging to get sponsors. We still need help with transportation logistics and new equipment because Safa mandates that we have both away and home jerseys. For each division, we also require training material,” said Ralushe.
“The Chairman’s Award went to Silone Mokhehlane. He has proven to be a person of excellent character both inside and outside the field. He set a good example, was disciplined, and truly stood above his peers,” said Ralushe.
Other players who received prizes were:
• Khanya Mbobo was awarded the midfielder of the season.
• Othandwayo Mhlahlo was awarded the player of the season.
• The top goal scorer award went to Siphiwe Mazibuko.
• Goalkeeper of the season was awarded to Lucky Pefers.
• Benedict Kgafela received the defender of the season award.
