Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup achieved victory as the champions of the SAFA HollywoodBets Inter-Regional playoffs this past Sunday. Photo by Sonic Digital Robert Mrobo Chambal
By: Refilwe Sebola
Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup FC emerged as champions of the Hollywoodbets Inter-Regional playoffs, securing an undefeated record at Mapodile Stadium in Burgerford over the past weekend. This achievement marks their promotion to the ABC Motsepe League in their debut attempt, following two consecutive years of non-qualification for the inter-regional playoffs. The Bolobedu-based team exhibited unwavering determination from the outset, notably defeating the skilled P&S Academy of Waterburg with a 2-1 victory in the opening match and securing a 0-0 draw against Vhembe’s FC Basel. Concluding with two decisive matches on Sunday, the team held the host Royal Pirates of Sekhukhune to a 1-1 draw and triumphed over FC Inter of Capricorn with a convincing 2-0 score, securing the top spot with eight points.
Key contributors to the team’s success include captain Chris “Kaka” Moremi, Ngwako “Passney” Mabulana, Valky Ngobeni, Innocent Masinamela, Matome Ramafalo, Matome “Rakhale” Sekhwela, and Matome Seshoka. Notably, “Kaka” demonstrated his prowess by scoring vital goals in crucial matchups, including an equalizer against Royal Pirates in their 1-1 draw and a decisive goal in the 2-0 victory over FC Inter of Capricorn. Moreover, Valky and “Passley” each contributed a goal in the opening game against P&S Academy. The seamless execution of coach Mathata Mamanyoha’s 4-5-1 formation was further enhanced by the well-timed and disciplined movements of players such as Innocent Masinamela, Matome Ramafalo, and Matome Seshoka, amplifying the team’s effectiveness both with and without possession of the ball.
The triumph of Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup FC has evoked jubilation among football enthusiasts in Bolobedu, particularly in the Thlothlokwe and nearby villages such as Mamanyoha and Rampepe, where the team received a hero’s welcome upon their return in the early hours of Monday morning. A very jubilant team owner Brown Moremi expressed profound gratitude for the support rendered by the Greater Letaba Municipality and Mayor Cllr Dagma Mamanyoha who supported the team with transportation and accommodation costs.
Their promotion marks the Mopani region’s fourth consecutive advancement in as many years. In the 2020/21 season, they facilitated the promotion of Giyani-based Emmanuel FC, followed by the promotion of Tzaneen United and Nkowankowa Continental in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons, respectively. The Mopani region currently boasts five teams in the ABC Motsepe League, including Giyani Happy Boys, whose status within the league remains undetermined.
The tournament results are as follows:
Saturday, 27 July:
– Royal Pirates (1) vs. (0) FC Inter
– P&S Academy (1) vs. (2) Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup
– FC Basel (4) vs. (2) Royal Pirates
– FC Inter (1) vs. (2) P&S Academy
– Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup (0) vs. (0) FC Basel
Sunday, 28 July:
– Royal Pirates (2) vs. (0) P&S Academy
– FC Basel (2) vs. (2) FC Inter
– Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup (1) vs. (1) Royal Pirates
– P&S Academy (2) vs. (0) FC Basel
– FC Inter (0) vs. (2) Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup