Takers FC celebrates its first anniversary

Takers FC (TFC) celebrated their first anniversary with players, parents and the club’s management at 360 Hlahatse on April 9.

Players and coaches were honoured for their loyalty, dedication, passion and various roles in the soccer club since its initiation on April 5, 2021.

The founder and chairperson of TFC, Veli Ntlemeza, said the club gained immense courage and personal authority to move children of the streets.

According to Ntlemeza, the team was awarded a trophy three weeks after it was established.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualified for the Germiston Local Football Association squad and participated in the Soncini Games held at Vosloorus Stadium.

“On January 22, our u-13 boys travelled to Elandsfontein to trial at Transnet School of Excellence. Then on March 5 our girls trialed at Roodeport Safa house trials. Right now, we boast as the youngest squad in the Safa women’s regional league,” said Ntlemeza.

Forty-four players were awarded certificates during the anniversary celebration, with 20 players receiving special certificates while 24 others receive certificates of appreciation respectively.

Certificate of appreciation

Receiving certificates of appreciation were Sakhumzi Ntlemeza, Unam Ngcaku, Mzolisi Bunn, Bonolo Mathekga, Gomotsegang Molapo, Boikano Khomokholo, Lwandile Ntlemeza, Bonolo Mphuthi, Kabelo Mosia, Lemohang Mosia, Thapelo Makgalemele, Wamashudu Mafune, Amohelang Seleke, Lesedi Molefe, Thabang Ramaboea, Lehlohonolo Baloi, Tseliso Moloi, Pholosho Makubung, Tshepo Thekiso, Arlindo Masango, Dipuo Tshabalala, Naledi Sebiloane, Palesa Hadebe and Kopano Maduna.

Other awards

• Simphiwe Mavuso for most passionate and well disciplined.
• Nkosi Mochisane first player of TFC and the most passionate.
• Boitumelo Lenka for most developed and fully committed.
• Nokuthula Radebe for most improved and exceptional effort.
• Dineo Kokoana for the best defensive player.
• Seithati Tefo for best-attacking player and most developed.
• Rethabile Lenka for most improved and passionate.
• Dimakatso Tsotetsi for most improved and great defensive player.
• Thato Ngwenya for the youngest goalkeeper.
• Palesa Mosoeu for most developed and fully committed.
• Mamosa Lephola for best newcomer and great supportive player.
• Noluthando Moloi for the great supportive player.
• Tshepiso Modise for hard work and exceptional improvement.
• Simphiwe Hlope for the best defensive player.
• Reabetswe Letsoge for best defensive player.
• Themba Maduna for most assists and contribution to goal creation.
• Matlotlo Ndebele MVP for best leadership and honing the direction of the team.
• Neo Nthebe for commitment and best character.
• Thatohatsi Mahloane for commitment and best oppressive player.
• Mfundo Motaung for commitment and best oppressive player.

Parents expressed their gratitude to the club for taking in their children and taking good care of the players.

One parent, Thekiso, the father of Tshepo Thekiso, said since his son joined the team, he has never been to meetings and other events, but this is because of other commitments.

Thekiso said he plays four roles in the family he identified those roles as being a father, mother, brother and sister.

“I am responsible for most tasks at home, even when I want to go and support him, you would find that something comes up as I am caring for an elderly who is no longer in a healthy state,” he continued.

“I would like to thank TFC because I have realised the team is not just about soccer but it is about modifying, motivating and educating our children,” said Thekiso.

Another parent thanked Ntlemeza for being a father to their children, as she cited that most women are single mothers and their children needed a father figure.