Tshepo Academy is one of the clubs taking part in the KDL league in Kgapane.
By: Refilwe Sebola
The newly established youth soccer league in Kgapane is set to start in earnest this month.
The league is the affiliate of the South African Football Association (SAFA) LFA and will cater for young soccer players from the age of 13 to 17 years old. A total of eight teams divided in three different categories will play each other in a common venue each weekend beginning on the 13th of April.
Only players born in or after 2011 will qualify to play in the Under-13 league while players born in 2009 and after will play for Under-15. The Under-17 players must have been born in or after 2007.
The teams that have already affiliated in the league are Kgapane based Tshepo Academy, Mashona Development, Mamkhize FC from Medingen, Mokwasele Young Killers, Ramohlala Academy from Rapitsi, Mighty Boys of Mzinoni, Goal Busters from Moshakga and Life Academy of Malematja.
The league will make history as it will be the first time a SAFA development league kick-off in Kgapane Township. The township was once respected as a football powerhouse in Bolobedu and the entire Mopani region. It produced great soccer teams such as CCV Chiefs, Kgapane Sweepers, Kgapane Destroyers and Kgapane Young Stars who are now defunct.
The only teams that were keeping football alive in the township were the youthful Tshepo Academy and Rapho Kickers. Kickers were participating in then SAB league but had to sell its status after the unfortunate passing away of its owner David Raphotle. Rapotle’ sons efforts to keep their father’s legacy alive failed due to the lack of sponsorship.
Many soccer pundits believe that the new development league will revive the love of football in Kgapane Township.
Mashona Development is an affiliate of the KDL league in Kgapane