Local team Junior Eleven is set to leave for Pietermaritzburg today (May 30), where they will represent the uThukela District in the provincial play-offs this coming weekend.

The district mayor, Inkosi NB Shabalala, gave the players a rousing send-off today at the uThukela District offices, where he wished the team good luck.

He told the team to come back with the cup. “We wish them good luck and we are very proud of them. As uThukela District Municipality, we have lent a helping hand as well, by getting them accommodation for the weekend and also providing them with some necessities. Hopefully this will encourage them to do well,” said Mayor Shabalala.

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Coach Sandile Dlamini said the team is well prepared and had brought in experienced personnel to help them prepare for the games.

“We are ready, and the support from management has helped us a lot in our preparations. I believe the experience we gained when we played in the Nedbank Cup qualifiers will help us mentally and emotionally,” said a confident Dlamini.

Team captain Mthokozisi ‘Nyandoro’ Sithebe said the spirit is high, and that he and his teammates are ready for the play-offs. “We promise to give our best, to represent our district well and win the play-offs,” said Sithebe.

SAFA-uThukela president Themba Phiri also wished the team all the best.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, a sold newspaper distributed in the Ladysmith area.