Soccer fans in Mukondeni and surrounding areas can now watch SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League matches close to home. This follows the decision by Mukondeni Young Chiefs chairperson, Advocate Dakalo Ramuthaga, to buy the status of the well-known team Winnerspark.
Winnerspark, previously based in the Tzaneen area, competes in Stream A of the ABC Motsepe League. The team will retain its name for the remainder of the 2024/25 soccer season.
According to Ramuthaga, the motivation behind acquiring the team is to develop young players. He said that Mukondeni has abundant talent, and he aims to produce more players capable of competing in elite leagues.
Ramuthaga expressed confidence that the Mukondeni community would help propel the team to the highest levels of South African football within a few years. The team's goal is to play in the National First Division (NFD) or PSL by 2026.
The experienced coach Mr Joel Mongalo has been appointed as head coach. Mongalo previously coached clubs such as Magesi FC, which competed in the Betway League, as well as Dolphins, Madridtas, and Mikhado FC, among others.
Winnerspark will play their remaining matches at the Louis Trichardt Showgrounds. The team is currently in 10th place in Stream A.
Mongalo said he had been tasked with ensuring that the team finishes at the top of the league table to qualify for the promotional play-offs to the Motsepe Foundation Championship League. He noted that the target is within reach, as the team is only one point behind the current log leaders.