Thokoza LFA champions receive accolades

Mountain Robbers FC celebrated their success after being crowned champions of the 2022/23 Thokoza Local Football Association (TLFA) Super League season.

The association presented the champions with the league trophy and a new kit sponsored by Teboho Raseruthe from TraseSportwear, on June 30, at Thokoza Community Hall.

Players from the runner-up Snack FC received silver medals and a new kit.

The Robbers won the league with 57 points. They clinched the league title with a difference of eight points compared to Snack FC closed off the season with 49 points.

Although the TLFA Super League has concluded, the executive committee admitted it was a challenging season due to changes affecting the association’s structure.

The TLFA executive committee are acting chairperson Sepeke Petrus Malefo, secretary Sthembiso Mbatha, treasurer and competitions committee (CC) chairperson Sifiso Chonco, disciplinary committee (DC) chairperson Brian Mfeka, DC Tebogo Raseruthe, CC Mathapelo Magano and Siyabonga Thabethe.

Chonco said it was challenging as the TLFA had many problems. However, the association is moving in the right direction.

“It was the first time teams played the league with cards and applied SAFA laws given by the region. Most of the teams had a challenge because we used to play in the league without rules. When we began implementing the rules, two clubs failed to comply,” said Chonco.

He said the league became smaller, but their vision is to have a proper league like any other, therefore, LFA-guided by SAFA rules.

“In the midst of all, there were allegations against the TLFA chairperson who had to be investigated and resulted in the dismissal of the chairperson. TLFA lost its structure. We had to run the LFA without a chairperson, and everyone was assisting where possible. I forget that I am the treasurer. I had to push the LFA, and an acting chairperson, Malefo, came to assist.

“It was a challenging season, but I think we managed to apply the rules. I believe we are growing. We have six teams showing interest, and three of the six teams have already paid the deposit for next season,” he concluded.

Malefo, coach of Mountain Robbers and TLFA acting chairperson, is overjoyed by their success.

He said their focus is on playoffs, which are difficult and tricky.

“Obtaining the first position in your LFA does not mean the playoffs will be a walk in the park. You have to be emotionally, mentally and physically fit. We are currently not playing gambling games because they will put us under pressure,” said Malefo.

“We will take one game at a time. Players must prepare and be aware they are no longer playing the league where you win points because when you lose in the playoffs, you are out.”

He said the league was better compared to the last season.

He further noted that TLFA is well structured as they have a chairperson, secretary and treasurer, and wishes all LFAs to have a structure like that because it improves the standard of football.

Mountain Robbers FC team captain Alex Khanye said the season was highly competitive.

He said they felt like losing the league before they won two crucial games. They collected three points after winning 2 – 1 against Thokoza Bees and Snack FC.

“I am excited because this is my second league title since I started playing soccer. My teammates are happy. Last week when we were playing, I could see their spirits were high,” said Khanye.

Snack FC head coach Jabulani ‘Mev’ Radebe said they did not have a good start in the league as they had to start the season building a squad which included younger players.

“In football, the race starts from the first game. You have to collect points as much as possible because, in the second leg, all teams are racing for the first position. Others target lower positions while others are fighting relegation,” he added.

“As coaches, we need to balance the team as much we can and always have a good squad that can compete from the first and second leg,” said Radebe.

“The problem about us was that we started with a few registered players, and some attended games and others not, due to personal reasons.”

He said they lost a few points that could have enabled them to challenge for the first position during the first leg.
“We started to have a combination squad in the second leg, trying to collect as many points as possible, but Mountain Robbers were extending the gap,” he said.

He said they must shift from participating in tournaments and focus on the league. If they take every game seriously, they can win the league.

He further said this is the third time they obtained the second position in the league.

“I am impressed with the boys because it was their first season playing together. Being runner-ups shows the players paid attention to what I was teaching them.”