Kempton Park Spurs rebuild and look ahead after challenging 2025 Season

Kempton Park Spurs Football Club head coach Chris Nsukuzonke has described the 2025 season as a year of change, strength and rebuilding for the club.

One of the biggest challenges faced during the season was the loss of key players who moved overseas to pursue professional football careers.

“By the club’s high standards, it was an average season, but it came during a time of major change. Many important players left, new players arrived, and the team had to adjust,” said Nsukuzonke.

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“The season was not about falling behind, but about building a strong base for the future.”

Team captain Mendel Masuku moved to England along with midfielder Jojo. Striker Boyce Mabuye joined a club in Europe, while Lecs and Isso moved to Spain.

Centre-back Thatho signed for a team in Slovenia, and Ndlela Mabuye relocated to the United States together with Anele.

These players were leaders and founding members of the club, and their departure affected team balance and consistency.

Nsukuzonke said the biggest loss was club founder Mageza, a talented right-back known for wearing jersey number six, who moved to Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Mageza played a vital role both on and off the field, contributing to leadership and club development. Despite being overseas, he continues to support the club financially, for which management expressed sincere gratitude.

Kempton Park Spurs’ three-year unbeaten home run came to an end following a defeat to a well-coached new team led by Coach Willard Katsande.

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The team also struggled against Rosebank Select, underscoring the reality that rebuilding takes time. Despite this, players remained competitive and continued to fight in every fixture.

One of the season’s most positive moments was a 0–0 draw against Premier League side TS Galaxy. The result demonstrated the value of strong preparation and teamwork.

Spurs used only 13 players during the match, while their opponents fielded 30, yet the team remained solid until the final whistle.

Fitness coach Ndodana was praised for ensuring players maintained excellent conditioning throughout the season.

Senior players Cebo, Nkosi, Ever, Tune and Striker provided strong leadership, while Coach Moloi played a key role in match preparation.

Although league results were inconsistent, the club found success in tournament football. Kempton Park Spurs successfully defended the Cheta Hydraulics Tournament title, beating 12 teams to claim the R50 000 prize.

The victory highlighted the team’s fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure.

Nsukuzonke acknowledged that the season was difficult but said the technical team was proud of how new players adapted to the club’s culture.

Coaches Chris, Nkosi, Kante, Ever, Glesky and Bonnie worked tirelessly to maintain standards and support player development.

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The Masters Team enjoyed a strong season after adding experienced players. Siya, Tshepo, Alex and Crazy joined from Buddies, while David came from Top Bet, Mega signed as a free agent, and Moses joined from Lumumba FC.

Coached by Ever, with Coach Katsande also playing, the Masters Team won 80% of their matches.

Youth development remained a priority for the club. Young players Anthony, Thabo, Thami, Letsoalo, Mike and Makhekhe joined the team and showed great promise, strengthening the club’s long-term future.

Injuries posed another challenge during the season. Tshego and Mbappe suffered broken legs and spent two weeks in hospital.

Ramos required surgery and travelled to China for treatment, while Omphile was sidelined for three months. These setbacks tested the team’s depth and resilience.

A major milestone for the club was the launch of Kempton Park Spurs Girls FC. In their first season, the girls’ team exceeded expectations.

Coaches Mr Glesky and Bonnie praised the players for their discipline, commitment and rapid improvement, pointing to a bright future for women’s football at the club.

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The club expressed its appreciation to Mr Ramos of Cheta Hydraulics, main sponsor Romeo Siziba, the principals and governing bodies of Kreft Laerskool and Kempton Park Primary, the Kempton Park Express, parents, supporters and the wider Kempton Park community.

Special thanks were extended to Mageza, Boyce, Nkosi and Ndlela for their continued financial support from abroad, as well as to local masters and young players who contribute to the club.

Looking ahead to 2026, Kempton Park Spurs aims to build a stronger and more stable squad, improve consistency, expand women’s and veterans’ football, and restore home-ground dominance.