Bela-Bela Total Sports robbed
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R1-20/FREE
2016
10 June
Waterberg celebrates
Ratanang FC’s promotion Mzamane Ringane
Mokopane Ratanang FC made the Waterberg people proud after gaining promotion. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Congratulations are in order for both the SAFA Waterberg Region and Mokopane’s Ratanang FC, after giving local soccer followers something worth celebrating. The Waterberg team gained promotion into the higher ABC Motsepe League. The provincial play-offs were held at Turfloop’s Oscar Mpetha Stadium in Polokwane, on Saturday, 4 June and Sunday, 5 June. On Saturday Ratanang FC held Sekhukhune Region’s Ditlou FC to a 2-all stalemate during their first game, and later walloped Madritas FC of Vhembe Region 4-3. The Waterberg side confirmed their place in the higher ABC Motsepe League on Sunday after defeating Mopani Region’s Mamaila Citizens FC 3-2. The final match of the day was between Ratanang FC and Capricorn Region’s Molemole Academy FC, where the Waterberg lads whipped their opponents 3-1. Soccer players, referees and officials from various segments of the Limpopo football fraternity observed a moment of silence as a gesture of respect for the late referee Benny Morena, who passed away a day before the play-offs. At the end of the day Ratanang FC gained promotion after obtaining first place with 10 points, with SAFA Limpopo chairperson Jack Maluleka leads other dignitaries during a meet and greet session. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Molemole Academy FC also gaining promotion with seven points in second place. The SA Football Association in Limpopo was delighted that everything went well during the play-offs, and also thanked all those who supported the event. “The matches started well on the first day and all five matches were played to a finish. On the second day we also had five matches. We are satisfied with the event preparations, the attendance of the supporters and the overall organisation of the tournament. It was a resounding success,” said SAFA Limpopo secretary Pat Seema. SAFA Waterberg Region Regional Executive Officer (REO) Refiloe Khoza was over the moon following Ratanang FC’s victory. Khoza indicated that this year’s regional play-offs displayed a lot of talent, and that it was visible at the time that the Waterberg Region will do well at the provincial level. She congratulated the team for making the region proud and also gave credit to all the Waterberg Region officials and office bearers for their contribution throughout the season. Man of the moment coach Sello Mabitsela who spoke to The BEAT over the loud cheers of supporters, was overwhelmed with excitement. “I am very happy that our boys were promoted, and the cherry on top is that we are number one in the province. I would like to thank everyone who supported us and most importantly our chairman Mokopane Kekana,” he said.