Springs Home Sweepers FC have been crowned SAFA Ekurhuleni Women’s Regional League champions after an unbeaten campaign, with coach Joseph ‘Skheshekheshe’ Mkhonza crediting the team’s discipline, collective effort and family environment.

The Kwa-Thema-based team finished top of the standings after 16 matches, recording 13 wins and three draws to collect 42 points. They scored 59 goals and conceded nine, ending the campaign with a goal difference of 50.

Mkhonza said the achievement represents the hard work of a group of players, most of whom are U15, as well as a technical team determined to build a future for women’s football.

“Firstly, this means a lot to everyone who is part of our club. It was not an easy journey considering all the challenges we faced.

“About 95% of our players are U15, but we worked together as players and the technical team. We knew it was not going to be easy, so we encouraged everyone to work collectively and focus on the bigger picture of winning the league,” said Mkhonza.

Despite their young squad, the coach said the team believed in its ability to win the championship from the beginning. Their approach was built around consistency, taking each match as it came and respecting every opponent.

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Mkhonza added that determination, dedication and discipline remained central to their campaign, with both players and the technical team constantly challenging themselves to improve.

One of the biggest obstacles was the difficulty of fielding the same team every week because of the players’ school commitments. Some players attend Saturday classes, making availability a challenge.

However, Mkhonza explained that the club was unwilling to compromise their education for football, believing that the sport should create opportunities rather than come at the expense of their academic development.

“Football must open doors for our players, especially because women’s football is not yet professional in our country. We have relationships with universities that offer scholarships to our players,” he said.

The club has also established partnerships with Kaizer Chiefs and universities, creating opportunities for players to further their football careers and education.

Mkhonza highlighted that several players who have come through the club have progressed to universities and Hollywoodbets Super League teams.

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Beyond developing football talent, the club has made education part of its responsibilities. The technical team has arranged additional lessons for players who struggle with certain school subjects, ensuring they receive support both on and off the field.

For Mkhonza, this is what separates the club from being just another football team.

“This is not just a football club. It is a community, an institution and a community builder,” he said.

On the field, the coach believes the team’s defensive strength was a major factor in securing the title. Having conceded only nine goals in 16 matches, he said the defenders played a crucial role while the strikers also scored goals.

“Our defence won us the league. Our strikers also played their part by scoring goals. If you want to win a championship, you must shut the back door. We worked very hard on both aspects of the game, defensively and offensively,” he said.

Mkhonza also acknowledged the role played by the technical team, saying their ability to work together, plan collectively and share the same vision helped keep the team focused throughout the season.

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He added that opponents often raised their performance when facing the team particularly because of the club’s young squad. However, the team remained confident in its philosophy of investing in young players.

The celebrations, however, may be short-lived as the club now turns its attention to another important challenge.

As league champions, the team will compete against winners from other regions for an opportunity to gain promotion to the Gauteng Women’s League, a competition Mkhonza believes could open even more doors for the players.

He described the upcoming challenge as another difficult mountain to climb, particularly with some players preparing for their final examinations.

“Our journey is still far from complete. This last hurdle is going to be the hardest, and we need everyone’s support during this trying period as our players are busy with their final examinations,” he said.

Despite the challenges ahead, Mkhonza believes the team’s achievement should serve as a reminder that success requires commitment, hard work and sacrifice.

He concluded by thanking God, the parents who have supported the players throughout the season and Springs Local Football for its contribution to the development of women’s football.