PHALABORWA – After nearly 15 years of nurturing young talent and promoting football in the community, Phalaborwa Football Club (FC) has officially closed its doors, citing financial and operational challenges.

Founded in February 2011, Phalaborwa FC started with u/11 and u/13 teams and grew over the years to include development teams, a women’s team, and a senior first team competing in the Hollywood SAFA Mopani Regional League.

Financial strain hits senior teams

The decision to close the club was officially made on November 30, for the development teams, with the senior and ladies’ teams having ceased operations earlier in 2025.

Club president Kala Manyama explained that financial and coaching challenges were the main reasons for the closure.

“Some of the main sponsors for the first team were no longer able to support us towards the end of the 2024/25 season. The NPC could not afford the major cost of transportation, and as a result, we could not honour our last match. Despite efforts to secure new sponsorship, we had to stop the senior team,” he said.

The women’s team, which finished fourth in the 2025 Mayors Cup, faced similar financial constraints and also stopped in July. The development programme, which relied on KGL Engineering sponsorship to cover some expenses, struggled with inconsistent coaching personnel and officially ended on November 30.

Development programme ends

Phalaborwa FC were more than just a football club. The development programme catered to boys and girls in u/11, u/13, u/15, and u/19 age groups, providing training sessions at Impala Park three times a week and matches on weekends.

Over 50 young people regularly participated in these programmes, gaining not only football skills but also a safe and productive environment away from the streets.

The women’s team drew players from Phalaborwa, Namakgale and Lulekani, and the senior team achieved notable successes, including winning the Safa Regional League Marula Stream.

“The legacy of Phalaborwa FC is not just in the trophies or wins. Over the past 15 years, we have positively impacted thousands of young lives, keeping them engaged in productive activities through football,” said Manyama.

Future revival still possible

While the club has placed all plans on hold, Manyama highlighted that Phalaborwa FC still exists on paper.

“We hope to conduct more research, secure sponsors, and potentially launch future projects. Our wish is for football to continue at Impala Park so that young people remain engaged in meaningful activities,” he added.

Manyama concluded with gratitude to all who supported the club over the years. “I want to thank my co-founder, Fonda Ceko, Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for the venue and cooperation, and everyone who contributed to the club’s success, including Mpho Maloma, Charles Rembe, Molebaleng Malatji, Bongani Sebopela, Mabitsela Manyama, Reach Raise Marketing, and KGL Engineering.

Football is a full-time commitment, and it is time for the directors to pursue other dreams and spend more time with their families. It has been a remarkable 15 years,” he shared.