Roodekop Local Football Association awards league champions
The Roodekop Local Football Association (RLFA) U17 Junior League champions will join the RLFA Super League following their victory in the Junior League.
As the Junior League season concludes, the Roodekop Local Football Association (RLFA) crowned its 2022/2023 junior champions at the Leondale Sports Ground on November 5.
The champions were crowned after battling it out on the pitch to book the first spot during the finals.
U15 Windmill Park Stars FC crushed Blue Birds FC after Thathego ‘Durag’ Ledwaba scored a brace, followed by Tsepo ‘Slyza’ Masoetsa with the third goal and Tebogo Mpinga’s closing goal to make it a 4 – 1 victory for Windmill Park Stars.
However, Windmill Park Stars could not contain Leondale All Stars’ top goal scorer, Njabulo Mdhluli, in the run for the U17 league title. Mdhluli scored the only two goals in the match against the Leandale side.
Mapleton City clinched the U13 champion title after punishing X12 United FC 3 – 1. Chirwa Sansom, Langa Happy and Mdolomba Ukho scored the three goals for Mapleton City.
It was not all hopes lost for X12 United FC when they took the U11 title from Kasi Killers FC. Bokamoso ‘Soso’ Mofokeng and Okuhle ‘Skhwama’ Mkhize each scored braces for X12 United, leading to a 4 – 1 victory.
Coach Simphiwe Mbina of Windmill Park Stars FC said the RLFA league was incredibly competitive, but they had a fantastic season.
He said their main challenge was managing transport costs, especially for weekend games, but they pulled through with some divine assistance.
“Consistency and patience are key to achieving greater things. With more support from parents and businesses, we can overcome our transport hurdles,” said Mbina.
“Winning the league feels amazing. Windmill Park Stars was established three years ago, and today, we are celebrating our first league victory as a team.”
Leondale All-Stars head coach Eli Khumalo told Kathorus MAIL that as runner-up in the previous season, they started the season with a game plan.
Khumalo said their main aim was to win all their games to avoid disappointments at the end of the season. Players showed their commitment throughout the season.
“We did not have any challenges this season because everyone was focused and looked forward to getting the gold medal at the end of the season,” said Khumalo.
“The squad has been playing together for a long time, but they will be promoted to the senior team next season. I have to prepare the next group to ensure they compete next season. We are always developing players.”
He said as a team, they always look forward to improving their finances because that can help the players with exposure.
Lack of finances limits the team’s movement, leading the team to withdraw from playing in other competitions to focus on the local LFA.
Another champion coach, Mzwandile Msezane of Mapleton City, said he is proud of the boys’ performance. This season was excellent and showed dedication and teamwork.
He said although they had a challenging season, proper planning helped them to come out better prepared.
“Most of my players did not have soccer boots and transport money. There is also a lack of parental support. We plan to improve the communication between the team and parents and encourage the community to support the team.”
Prizes
The champions received a trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. Position two received silver medals. Bronze medals were awarded for third position in all divisions.
