AMATHOLE Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E is taking a break for the December holidays until January next year after most teams in the division played their opening fixtures last month.
On November 16, Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E began their league campaign where football supporters watched ten opening league matches, played in different venues in the Mnquma area.
Among these opening games of the season, the newly promoted team, Young Stars United FC from Mchubakazi, played against FC Montego, while another newcomer in the division, Phase 5 United FC from Centane, faced FC Relatives.
Both newcomers faced defeats in the Regional League as FC Montego defeated Young Stars United FC 2-1 away, and FC Relatives also beat Phase 5 United FC 3-0 away.
These results served as a reminder and a wake-up call to Young Stars United FC and Phase 5 United FC that they have entered a more competitive division compared to their previous division, the Mnquma LFA Promotion League.
Young Stars United FC’s coach, Nceba Maduntswana, speaking with Mthatha Express after their first match in the regional league, said they realised that the standard in the division is much higher compared to that of the promotion league (Mnquma LFA Promotion League).
“The standard and quality of football in the Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E is top class, but as a team, we will work hard to try to match any opponent that comes against us,” said Maduntswana.
He added that their main goal for this season in the regional league is to avoid relegation, and they are determined to work hard to achieve that goal. Furthermore, he expressed disappointment about the result in their opening fixture but trusts his players to bounce back when they resume league action against the Centane team, Musketeers FC, on January 18.
In other outcomes from the opening fixtures last month, Ngqamakwe City FC played a 1-1 draw against their neighbours, Ngqamakhwe United FC. Musketeers FC beat WSU Butterworth 2-0, and Inter City Sports Club lost 2-0 against Kentane United.
Only two teams did not play during the first round: FC Tshabalala and Ndabankulu SS FC. However, on January 18, all the teams in the division are expected to be back in action.
In those second-round fixtures, Ndabankulu SSS FC will host Phase 5 United FC, Musketeers FC will visit Young Stars United FC, Inter City Sports will host Ngqamakwe City FC, FC Tshabalala will entertain Ngqamakhwe United FC, Kentane United will host WSU Butterworth, and FC Montego will play against FC Relatives.
