Thokoza club lift tournament trophy in Free State
“After winning the league I saw that the club has potential, we had to return to compete for the MSG champion title because in 2021 we lost in the final.”
New Era Football Development (NEFD) brought the trophy home after being crowned champions of the Makhaleng Solidarity Games (MSG) Top 16 Tournament with the U13 division at QwaQwa, Free State, on December 17.
NEFD was the only club representing the Gauteng province. This was their second appearance at the MSG tournament. It started on December 12 and concluded on December 17.
The Thokoza-based club met with Milo FC after winning all their games to secure a spot in the final.
They played a goalless 90 minutes and won 5 – 3 on penalties after NEFD goalkeeper Katleho Maphanga saved two penalties.
His teammates, Lethabo Buthelezi, Bulela Makinana, Bonang Moloi, Thabo Moeketsi and Siphesihle Xaba, all scored. They won gold medals, a trophy and a soccer ball.
NEFD head coach Pule Mofokeng said winning the tournament meant a lot for them because they started with a victory at the Thabiso Tenyane Easter Tournament.
This was followed by another victory in the Eastern Local Football Association League (ELFA).
“After winning the league I saw that the club has potential. We had to return to compete for the MSG champion title because in 2021 we lost in the final,” said Mofokeng.
Although the club had a successful year, Mofokeng said there are still a lot of things that the team needs to improve, such as good equipment, training facility and support.
“So far the team does not have a sponsor and we rely on parents for support. We also get support from Tsantha Pharmacy.”
The treasurer of NEFD, Sibongile Msibi, who spoke on behalf of parents, said they are happy that the team has won a tournament outside the region and province.
She said it is clear that they are the real champions because they first won a tournament and the league and now they went all out to win the tournament in the Free State.
“We are so proud of these young boys; they show love and commitment toward football,” said Msibi.
She said the club plays an important role in society in such a way that it develops young soccer lovers, removing them from the streets where there is an influx of bad influence.
Background information
NEFC, also known locally as ‘The Colombians’, is a development soccer team with five divisions which are U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19. It was formed by the community in 2017 and it is spearheaded by the parents.
The club also caters for ladies. It was formally registered with SAFA in 2021 and this is its second season under the ELFA league.
They train at 16:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Thokoza Stadium.
According to Mofokeng the aim and vision of the team are to help and establish a proper development in Thokoza that will compete with other big developments to pave the way to greater things.
He said they also value education as a team because they believe sports and education walk the same path.
“It has never been an easy journey as the team comes from the township, not every child has access to better living.
“However, the team tries hard to identify those players and bring them into one house and have one family.”
He said their goal is to have a proper clubhouse as there is a great demand for it not only locally but in other provinces as well.
NEFC is pleading with the community and businesses for sponsorship, to support the club contact Msibi at 078 549 4294.
