Katlehong Local Football Association pleads for sponsorships

Katlehong Local Football Association (KALFA) is pleading for support to provide decent prizes that will inspire and motivate junior soccer players.

The association has been part of the Katlehong community for two decades. It was formed after local sportsmen identified the need to have a structure that can contribute to the development of future soccer stars.

KALFA’s current leadership include chairperson Themba Madinani, vice-chairperson Thuli Linda, treasurer Josiah Cindi, secretary Thabile Wilima, technical and development Thato Kele, competitions committee Jacob Ngcobo, disciplinary committee Lehlohonolo Mokatane, additional member Mahlatsi Kutumele and Keletso Khaile.

It offers five divisions, U11 with 16 teams, U13 with over 26 teams, U15 with 16 clubs, U17 (registration open) and eight ladies’ clubs.

The KALFA junior league seasons kick off in the first week of February, and finals are played towards the end of October.

Madinani said their list of needs includes kit and gold medals for the first prize, silver for the second prize, and bronze for the third position.

They usually get soccer balls or whatever they can afford for the fourth position depending on the association’s finances.

“At the moment we do not have anything but for this year we are planning to hand over prizes to all divisions. We are trying our best to provide these prizes with the little money that we have,” Madinani.

He said they would appreciate any form of support from local businesses, corporations, parents and the general public.

“We would appreciate it if we could get a sponsor to help us with the prizes, which is the most important part.
“We also welcome monetary donations to assist us in running the six divisions and the ladies’ league because we are struggling at the moment. We do not even have an office, we are currently using one of our member’s home as the office.”

Madinani further said their wish as the executive is for the players to start playing on developed fields like Hunterfield Stadium.

“It is our biggest challenge because the booking fee to use the stadium for the whole season costs approximately R10 000. It becomes a problem because players struggle, they are used to playing on the gravel field and they lose out on opportunities to be selected for the squad.”

He said they have equipment but they still need more. If the association can get those things it will be able to run KALFA smoothly.

“It is very important for businesses to partner with us and help develop football in Katlehong because it is not easy to develop players. We need money and resources.

“We need transport and incentives for the children but at the moment they are getting nothing. At times we use our own money to run the LFA but if we can get funding I think it be possible to take Katlehong football to the next level,” he said.

Madinani has been part of KALFA for almost a decade. He started as a team manager affiliating with the association in 1995. He joined the executive committee as an additional member and later became the deputy chairperson before he was elected chairperson.

He said his vision for the association is to produce teams that compete in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and develop more players to feed the big team in the PSL.

Anyone who wishes to contribute may contact the treasurer, Cindi at 072 157 9207 or Madinana at 68 141 6358.