Morale booster for a rural soccer team

A struggling rural team, which is being run from the pockets of the players and officials, started the new year on a higher note when they received a new kit from a local businessman.

Shonisani FC, based at Phiphidi outside Thohoyandou and campaigning in the Thulamela Local Football Association, has been doing well despite not having a sponsor.

Local businessman Justice Thifhelimbilu Muvhali handed over a kit worth thousands of rands to the team at the weekend. The official handover took place at the local sports ground and was witnessed by many members of the community and the leadership of the community.

The handover was officiated by the local Ward 32 Thulamela councillor, Cllr Matodzi Netshifhefhe, who presented the kit to the happy club officials, together with the sponsor.

Muvhali, the director of Murida Plumbing Services, said he recently received a request from the club management for assistance. "The request came after the festive season, where we had spent a lot of money for the festivities, but after assessing the application, we felt compelled to help," he said.

He said he was very passionate about sport and would continue assisting the team where possible. He added that the donation was also a way of motivating the team to continue dominating the league.

Representing the team, Mr Nditsheni Lidzhade said they were very motivated to have started the new year in that fashion. "We are a top team in this league, but we lack even some of the basic equipment such as soccer boots, shin guards and other necessities for the players. We are very happy to have received this morale-boosting gesture," he said.