Mkhambathi FC confirmed ABC Motsepe League champions
Safa uMgungundlovu welcomed the resolution of the matter and expressed relief that the dispute had finally been settled
Mkhambathi FC have officially been confirmed as the champions of the KwaZulu-Natal ABC Motsepe League following a lengthy dispute that threatened to overshadow the conclusion of the provincial season.
The controversy arose after fellow ABC Motsepe League side Msinga United lodged a protest following the Safa uMgungundlovu regional playoffs, questioning the registration status of Mkhambathi players Thulebona Vezi and Mnelisi Ngcongo.
Mkhambathi, popularly known as the Rural Boys, had finished top of the standings and emerged victorious in the Safa uMgungundlovu regional deciding matches.
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However, the protest led to a series of appeals and disciplinary processes involving both provincial and national football authorities.
Msinga United initially took the matter to Safa KwaZulu-Natal, while Mkhambathi escalated the issue to the national Safa office. Following the review process, the national body cleared Mkhambathi FC, confirming their status as the legitimate champions.
Safa uMgungundlovu regional executive officer Makhetha Mzimela welcomed the resolution of the matter and expressed relief that the dispute had finally been settled.
“It was not a good situation for local football to see teams moving in and out of disciplinary hearings and appeal processes,” said Mzimela.
We are used to seeing football matches won on the field of play, not in boardrooms or hearings.
“Situations like these create the wrong perception about the game and send an unfortunate message to supporters and the football community.
“As Safa uMgungundlovu, we are pleased that the matter has now been finalised and cleared.”
Mzimela confirmed that Mkhambathi FC are the officially recognised champions and will now carry KwaZulu-Natal’s hopes at the national stage.
“I can confirm that Mkhambathi FC will represent KwaZulu-Natal as the province’s official ABC Motsepe League champions,” he said.
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The team has already travelled to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, where they will compete in the ABC Motsepe League National Play-Offs from June 2 to June 7.
Mkhambathi general manager Ntuthuko Mlaba said the club was relieved to put the dispute behind them and focus on football.
“We are happy that the matter has been resolved. We simply wanted the opportunity to play football, and now we are here as proud and official KwaZulu-Natal champions,” said Mlaba.
The national playoffs will determine which clubs secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship — South Africa’s second-tier professional league.
