First division beckons for United

It’s official. Mbombela United will represent the province in the national play-offs to gain entrance to the country’s second-highest league, the National First Division.

This was after Tingwenyama finished their 2014/15 ABC Motsepe League campaign in grand style when they cruised to a 1-0 victory over Phiva Young Stars on Saturday.

Played at a packed KaNyamazane Stadium, this final ABC Motsepe League encounter produced nothing but entertainment at its best, both on and off the pitch.

This victory saw Tingwenyama comfortably finishing the season at the top of the log on 71 points and a spot in the play-offs.

“It wasn’t an easy ride for us as we had close calls throughout our journey, but because we knew what we wanted, we hung on,” said United’s coach Mfanimpela Maseko.

“We have done everything right from the beginning of the season and it became so obvious towards the end of the second leg that we were running away with the title.

But it was through hard work and determination that we managed to stay focussed throughout our campaign.”

He said he didn’t want to single out any player because they all contributed equally to the team’s success.

United’s boss S’khumbuzo Matsebula took a gamble by appointing Maseko as head coach but today he had the last laugh as his plans handsomely paid off.

“The coach has worked tremendously hard for the team. The boys also deserve applause for showing resilience throughout the season.

They fought hard for the space in the national play-offs and they deserve to represent the province there,” said Matsebula.

Asked how he fancied his chances at the play-offs, Matsebula said they had learnt a great deal from the first time they participated there and believed that they would do better this time around.

“We are going there not just as Mbombela but as Mpumalanga because we are going to represent the entire province.

“We will give it our best shot,” he said.

United and Maseko will make their second appearance in the national play-offs.