In what was a valiant effort from Worcester City this season, the Citizens have officially secured their spot in next season’s SAFA Hollywood Bets Men’s Regional League (MRL) campaign. The Zwelethemba-based football club walked out of Ceres crowned champions after topping the play-offs table with 8 points following their 2–2 draw with Franschhoek Spurs.
The Promotional League champions have experience in the regional playoffs; their attempt to advance to the MRL in the previous season was unsuccessful due to insufficient point accumulation. The Citizens will now be joining the likes of Worcester Spurs “Izinyoni” FC, and Worcester United FC as a third team from Zwelethemba to compete at the regional level of amateur football.
Bennett Hlalele, the club founder and head coach, acknowledged in an exclusive post-match interview with Standard that while the team began their play-off campaign on a high note, it wasn’t an easy road.
“This was not an easy journey,” he said. “We started the play-offs on a high note and high spirit. The boys were very prepared from the beginning till the end. They showed character, especially on the final day of the competition.”
As fresh new contenders for the regional league’s coveted trophy the two-time coach of the season recipient (Hlalele) is certain his team won’t struggle to adjust to MRL’s top-flight playing style. “I’m very proud of these boys; they have a strong fighting spirit. They never gave up even when chips were down. I always say put God first and everything else will follow. We are looking forward to our debut in the MRL, and I have no doubt we will do our best to cement our campaign.”
Nkululeko Freedom Mangweni, the Citizens’ chair of the board of directors, commended the club’s stakeholders, including the players, for their tenacity, commitment and self-discipline throughout the season. “This achievement is not only dedicated to the team and management, but also to the community of Zwelethemba, especially those who have been behind us all the way. Now we just have to prove to everyone that we are the fearless citizens we say we are.”
Mangweni hopes that this achievement will encourage big companies to support local football, just as they do with rugby and other sports. “I would also implore Worcester City management to consider establishing an academy that can serve as an umbrella institution for many sports and can accommodate the vast majority of children in our beloved community of Zwelethemba.”
