For the very first time in history, a local team has managed to secure a spot in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.
The team is Junior Eleven FC from the Burford area under Ward 14.
This is a record-breaking qualification, as they are the first team to qualify for the Nedbank Cup in the uThukela District.
Junior Eleven’s journey started when they won the Regional League preliminary round. Since then, they have gone all the way to winning the Inter-Districts.
Last Saturday (November 11), they won 2-1 against top tier team Mkhambathi FC, who play in the Second Division. This thriller of a match was held at the Kandahar Avenue sports grounds, where local soccer fans came out in their numbers to witness history being made.
Villa opened the scoring at the beginning of the second half, and Soso made sure that he sealed the win when he netted the winning goal in the last 15 minutes of the game.
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Junior Eleven captain Mthokozisi ‘Nyandoro’ Sithole said the game was very difficult for them, but they managed to absorb the pressure in the first half.
“I am very happy for my teammates that we made it. Our hard work has really paid off,” exclaimed Sithole.
Head coach Sandile Dlamini was over the moon as well, saying, “I am at a loss for words and for now, it feels like a dream; I can’t believe it! We have made history! We were lucky to see our opponents playing against local giants Drakensberg FC, which helped us to study them and capitalise on their weaknesses,” said a joyful Dlamini.
He added that his team wants to play Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in the last 32, and he is also hoping to draw Supersport United or Amazulu FC.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, a sold newspaper distributed in the Ladysmith area.
