Tlhohane family revives Diepkloof Gunners FC

The Tlhohane family has revived the lagacy of the late Lazzaros ‘Pres’ Tlhohane, the founder of Diepkloof Gunners FC, one of the oldest football clubs in Soweto and a great contributor to local football development.

The family took the baton with the vision to develop youngsters and help them realise their dreams.

They relaunched the family house of Tlhohane at Moshoeshoe Street, Zone 4, Diepkloof, on June 8.

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DK Gunners played a major role in the junior development of some of the most talented players to grace the field, who went on to represent some of the biggest clubs in the Professional Soccer League (PSL), like the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakaz, former Kaiza Chiefs midfielder John ‘Shoes’ Lesiba Moshoeu, and former Orlando Pirates star Lebohang ‘Cheese boy’ Mokoena, among others.

The club lost its feet after the founder passed away in 2019 before completely shutting its door. In the process, it lost kits, training equipment, and soccer balls.

The wife of Lazzaros and President of DK Gunners, Sophy Tlhohane (78), said she became concerned when young children who usually hang around the nearby school persistently approached her, seeking to join the club.

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Upon informing her son, Hitler Tlhagane, the family decided to reintroduce the historic club that won the hearts of the people and left an impactful mark in Diepkloof.

She said her husband founded the club in 1966; he requested permission from the then-apartheid municipality to create a soccer field in a vacant space that was turning into a crime hot spot.

“My husband drove around with a bakkie, recruiting children who usually hang around at tuck shops to gamble.

They cleaned the vacant land where the DK Gunners ground was; they renamed it after the club to honour my father, who pushed for the community to have soccer grounds. They thought the DK Gunners ground was their home ground.; they achieved a lot and won trophies.

The pair, Tlhohane and her son, will play a role in the executive structure to lead the team and coach.

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Tlhagane assumed the role of the chairperson of the team, and he presented the club’s new jersey during the launch.

“Our family club keeps children away from the streets and potential bad influences like drugs and drug addiction.

“That is what triggered my mother when she was approached by the players, because we stay close to a school (Ikaneng Primary), and their children used to sit there with their idling minds.

“It triggered her because it is dangerous. We see what is happening in communities; now every township has a drug dealer. As the club returns to action, a lot of children will be removed from the streets,” said Tlhagane.

He said the club will play friendly games and tournaments while they prepare to compete in the junior league under the Diepkloof Local Football Association next season.

“The ultimate purpose is to keep these young stars busy.

“We are going to make sure that they train during the week and arrange two games for them per month.

“We know that the community was disappointed that the team was no more, but we want them to know that we are back,” he added.

DK Gunners are looking for sponsors to help them realise their dream of growing despised young leaders and keep the lagacy of the Lazzaros. Anyone who wishes to contribute should contact Tlhagane at 83 444 8817.