Neasm Academy officially crowned MLFA champs
: For the first time in the club's history, Neaasm Academy will now ply their trade in the SAB Regional League next season.
After an intense 2022/23 season, Neasm Academy of Sports has been crowned the champions of the Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA).
The Olifantsfontein-based team will now ply their trade in the SAB Regional League next season.
Neasm closed off the season in style when they beat fourth-placed Kaalifonia FC (formerly NMMD FC) 1 – 0 at the Rabie Ridge Stadium on July 30.
The goal came in the first half of the game through their attacking midfielder, Katlego Molekwa.
Before the game started, Neasm went onto the pitch knowing that they have already clinched the title and as a result, they were given a guard of honour.
Out of 34 games played, Neasm won an amazing 32 and drew one and lost only one to amass 97 points. They trailed second-placed Midrand Rovers by 24 points.
The two co-coaches of the academy Elias Aphane and Wildman Choshi shared their plans going into the regional league.
Aphane said, “It’s been a tough season and we prepared well before the start of the season. From the defence to the strikers, the team was well organised and I am glad we got the three points to close off the season.”
Choshi added that, now that they will be playing in the SAB, they need to bolster the team and have a bigger squad.
“If we win the first five or seven games of the SAB league, then we will have started on the right footing. This will be our first season in the regional league, and we need to be prepared mentally, physically and financially because there is more travelling there,” said Choshi.
The co-coaches agreed that if they can get at least two or three players in each position, then they will have depth. However, their priority is getting an experienced goalkeeper, left-back and anchor in the midfield.
Kaalifonia FC coach, Samuel Dube said, “Congratulations to Neasm. Congratulations to my boys as well first time in the league and we finish fourth, this is a huge privilege. Next season we are taking it and gunning for the league.”
The league, through their chairperson, Sthembiso Sithole said they will hold a prize-giving ceremony on August 12 to wrap up the season and give Neasm their trophy.
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