Acornhoek City Eyes League Glory

Acornhoek City FC have reaffirmed their determination to win the CAFA Men’s Promotional League title despite suffering a setback in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Mayor’s Cup play-offs.

The side was knocked out by Moholoholo Academy FC after a tense goalless draw that ended 8–7 on penalties on Sunday afternoon. However, team captain Samukelo Mkhwanazi says the defeat has only sharpened their focus on league success.

“We had hoped to advance to the zonal play-offs, but luck was not on our side during the penalties,” said the 19-year-old. “Our attention now shifts to the league. We will take it one game at a time and focus on the bigger goal.”

Mkhwanazi, who previously featured in the SAFA Ehlanzeni Men’s Regional League, is among the more experienced players in a youthful Acornhoek City squad. He believes the team has grown stronger after a slow start to the season.

“We started slowly with many young and inexperienced players, but we have improved consistently,” he said. “We are not pushovers. We earned our position in the league and deserve to be where we are.”

Nicknamed Vahluri — meaning “the conquerors” — Acornhoek City currently top the CAFA Men’s Promotional League standings with 20 points from 10 matches, recording six wins, two draws and two defeats.

They are closely followed by Green Rangers FC on 19 points, while Moholoholo Academy FC sit third with 18 points, setting up a tight finish to the season.

Mkhwanazi credited chairman and head coach Sipho Dzimba for instilling discipline and focus within the squad.

“He always tells us not to focus too much on the log standings but on discipline and teamwork. That has made us one of the most competitive teams in the league,” he said.

With four matches remaining, the captain has called on supporters to rally behind the team as they push for their maiden league title.

“We urge our supporters to come in numbers and be our twelfth man. We want to finish strong and win the league,” he said.