The Thulamela Local Football Association (LFA) is no longer under administration. New leaders were elected during the association’s elective congress, held at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre last Saturday. The association was placed under administration in December last year, following several months of internal leadership disputes.

Mr Joseph Nevhukalanga was elected as the new chairperson of the association on Saturday. The first deputy chairperson is Mr Livhuwani Muhali, while Mr Robert Mukhuba will serve as the second deputy chairperson, and Ms Tendani Mashila as the third deputy chairperson. Mr Mukhuba was elected unopposed.

The new treasurer of the association, Mr Cedrick Ramaliba, was also elected without opposition. The position of general secretary is now held by Mr Nditsheni Mathule.

Addressing the meeting shortly after his election, Mr Nevhukalanga stated that his short-term goal was to uproot corruption. He committed to ensuring that games are won on the field, preventing the current situation where match results are allegedly predetermined by match officials and referee selectors.

Nevhukalanga also said his committee would work hard to eliminate parallel structures. He cautioned that a structure operating in the name of the Thulamela LFA over the past year is not recognised by the Safa Vhembe Regional League.

Mr Colbert Nempumbuluni, representing the Safa Vhembe Regional League at the meeting, remarked that Thulamela LFA is the largest LFA in the country. He expressed disappointment that such a significant association had to be placed under administration due to infighting over leadership positions.