Soccer season to kick off

Newcastle Social League (NSSL) is set to kick off on May 24, but this year’s league differs from previous years.

NSSL has officially become affiliated with South African Football Association (SAFA).

According to Mervyn Maharaj from the NSSL committee, this means that football enthusiasts can now enjoy between six to eight months of soccer, unlike previous years where NSSL took place only in the winter season. “The league will run as usual, but once it ends, the four top teams will then compete against other teams from the Amajuba District.”

Previously, NSSL teams were predominately from inner Newcastle.

In future, teams from Charlestown, Blaauwbosch, Madadeni and oSizweni will be able to compete with inner Newcastle teams.

The affiliation will now allow schoolchildren to participate in the league. Mr Maharaj hopes the new doors open to the youth will encourage a renewed interest in soccer.

He has issued a stern warning to teams who intended to use the grounds for betting games. “Teams not affiliated with NSSL will not be able to use the facilities without the permission of NSSL or SAFA.”

“The current teams on the NSSL league are Estella FC, Spartans, Sportings FC, Amahlubi and Al-Ahly. NSSL can only accommodate 12 teams, which means there are seven spaces available,” Mr Maharaj said.

All games will take place at the Paradise A, Paradise C and Fernwood Sports Grounds.

For information to join the NSSL fold, Mr Maharaj can be contacted on 081 393 5689 or 081 3855 2971.