The Bees secure a crucial win at ABC Motsepe League national play-offs

The Bees FC secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Midlands Wanderers FC in the ABC Motsepe League National Play-offs at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve on Wednesday, July 2.

In a thrilling display of football, The Bees’ Lebogang Lingela found the net in the 47th minute – securing his team’s eventual win. This places The Bees at the top of their group with three points, while the remaining two teams each sit on one.

To qualify for the semi-finals, The Bees will need to claim another victory when they face Zizwe United FC on Friday morning, July 4. The fixture was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 3, but was postponed due to water shortages at Giant Stadium. It will now take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

The club’s general manager, Stanley Ndlovu, expressed disappointment at the postponement, saying it would impact the team’s rest period. “Other teams are resting as we speak. We were hoping to rest on Friday. Our next game isn’t really challenging, but we’re going to make sure we prepare properly and secure our place in the next stage of the play-offs,” said Ndlovu.

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The play-offs, which run until July 6, promise a showcase of talent as teams compete for a place in the National First Division (NFD), also known as the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The Bees have shown resilience and determination throughout the provincial campaign to earn their place in the national play-offs. They are the reigning champions of the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League.

According to Ndlovu, the team’s performance has drawn widespread attention, and they are proud to represent both Nkomazi and Mpumalanga on the national stage.

“We would like to thank the people of Nkomazi and the entire province for the support they have shown us. We have a few players who previously played in the Premier Soccer League, and they have encouraged the boys to shine and remember that there is success in football,” said Ndlovu.

Should The Bees progress from the group stage, they will join fellow Mpumalanga side Kruger United FC in the NFD. The South African Football Association (Safa) in Mpumalanga officially congratulated The Bees as the 2024/25 Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League champions during a ceremony at Mangweni Stadium on Thursday, June 26.

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In a statement, Safa commended the team’s dedication and commitment throughout the season. The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, also extended his well wishes to the team via his official Facebook page.