Coach Owen Da Gama is ready to lead Vondwe XI Bullets as they continue their impressive journey.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Owen Da Gama’s Vondwe XI Bullets have decisively claimed the top spot in the ABC Motsepe League Stream A.
After facing initial challenges in their first eight matches, the Venda-based club has emerged victorious with an impressive total of 15 points, secured through four wins, three draws, and just one loss. Musina United closely trails behind, also boasting 15 points but falling short due to a lesser goal difference and having played one additional match.
In third position, coach Peace Khosa’s Nkowankowa Continental stands firm with 14 points, followed by last season’s dominant Stream B champions, Tzaneen United, and United Artists, who are tied at 14 points but have each played one extra game. The highly anticipated Selwane White Vultures, once considered favorites for this stream, currently sit in seventh place, just below the inconsistent Munaca with 13 points. Their quest for the top may have been hindered by an unresolved dispute against Maruleng Celtics that was brought before SAFA’s Disciplinary Committee. In that controversial match, the referee halted play after Maruleng failed to provide proper corner flags, opting instead for unsafe sticks draped in T-shirts, which is a clear violation of league regulations.
Defending champions Mpheni Defenders recently faced a challenging goalless draw against the improved Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup and currently sit in eighth place with 12 points. Notably, they have two crucial games in hand—one pending a decision from the Disciplinary Committee and another postponed due to their Nedbank Cup commitments. If they prevail in their case against Vondwe and capitalize on their remaining fixtures, they could quickly reclaim their typical dominance, potentially totalling 18 points.
In the bottom four, the youthful Black Leopards hold ninth place with 9 points, followed by Maruleng Celtics with 8 points after seven games. Winnerspark lags at 7 points from nine matches, while the newly promoted Thlothlokwe Golden Syrup has struggled, managing only 2 points from nine games. As the January transfer window approaches, many clubs are expected to bolster their squads, increasing competition for the remainder of the season.