SOCCER NEWS - Umasizakhe's Black Arrows soccer team proved their worth during the 2018/2019 football season, having won their league in the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality Local Football Association.
Earlier this year, the Advertiser published a plea from the team's manager and coach Khwezi-Lomuso Xalisa for donations of old soccer or rugby boots for his players. Most of them are scholars or unemployed.
Xalisa was delighted when an old school friend, local farmer Ferdi Gouws, donated seven pairs of brand-new soccer boots as a direct result of the appeal.
This inspired the team to greater heights, and they finished the season top of the table.
Only three points separated the top three teams, and the final winners were determined on the last matchday on 17 June.
Interestingly, Xalisa has never played soccer himself but has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge by watching both local and international games.
He was particularly inspired by the European style of play and is full of praise for the dedication and commitment of his team to embrace his coaching style.
Top goal scorer of the season was 21-year-old Mawande Mhlaba, who has been part of the club since he was a junior u.13 player. He has been a valuable member of the first team since the age of 17.
Ayanda Matomela (19), with the second most goals, also recorded the highest number of assists. He passed Grade 12 last year with a diploma grade but has not been able to afford to study further.
One player for whom soccer has been a life-changer is Mthusi Simons, who left school two years ago. He has been unable to find work but puts his heart and soul into soccer. "It has given Simons a purpose in life when he could so easily have ended up on the streets, or in trouble with the law," Xalisa explained.
Last season the Black Arrows didn't have shoes. This time around, they're league champions. Back: Monwabisi Olifant, Mthusi Simons, Siphosethu Elie, Luyuvo Adams, Mandilakhe Matolengwe, Samkelo Tom, Xolile Madonci and Khwezi-Lomuso Xalisa (coach). Front: Kwanele Matatis, Bathabile Njana, Avokuhle Nompondo, Athenkosi Magcutsu, Mputumi Mthembu, Thandolwethu April and Mandi Khula. Photo: Paula-Ann Smit
As league champions, Black Arrows have been promoted to play in the Camdeboo and Blue Crane section of the SAB Sarah Baartman Regional League next season.
A wonderful bonus is that the team's kit and soccer balls will now be fully sponsored by the league, which will allow the soccer talents to focus on their beloved sport.
Black Arrows' goalkeeper Athenkosi Magcutsu does what he does best during a practice session with club captain Mandilakhe Matolengwe. Photo: Paula-Ann Smit
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