1. Sputla Lebogo, chairperson of the Super Eagles, says he did not foresee how the team would grow when a group of young boys approached him in 2003 to buy them soccer kits and a soccer ball in order to compete in a development league. He started to manage the team and says the journey has been tough, but mostly joyful.

The team played in the South African Football Association (SAFA) Promotional League for more than ten years, until they were promoted to the SAFA Mopani SAB Regional League in 2018. In the same year, they ended as runner-up and were rewarded an R18 000 cash prize and a soccer kit. They are currently the reigning champions of the SAB League’s Phalaborwa Stream.

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Last month they were also crowned the Mayor’s Cup champions in the senior category after thrashing Black Rovers 4-3 on penalties after a goalless match in the finals. They walked away with a R20 000 cash prize and a soccer kit. The team currently has five management members including Aaron Maroga, Arnold Mangaliso, Sammy Letsoalo, and Lodwick Satekge.

The technical team members are Satekge, Letsoalo, and Maraothi Sebatane. Letsoalo told the Herald that they are looking forward to another great season where they will hopefully win and ultimately be promoted to the ABC Motsepe League. He says although the team is doing well on the field, finances are challenging without a sponsor as they have to pay for medical certificates for players, match official fees, travelling costs, registration fees for the players, and league affiliation costs.

He is pleading with the community and businesses to help sponsor the team in order to make a difference in the lives of the young boys. The team is based in Namakgale in Ward 19, behind Phalaborwa Primary School. For more information and to donate, contact Lebogo at 084 383 7099 or 082 457 5064.