A shot at glory for Rural Boys

The uMgungundlovu region will be in the national football spotlight on Sunday when local Safa ABC Motsepe League team Mkhambathi FC take on Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Lerumo Lions in the Nedbank Cup last 32. The winner will advance to the last 16 of the competition, moving one step closer to the quarter-finals.Mkhambathi’s journey to the last 32 has been anything but easy. They first had to navigate the demanding regional stages before emerging as uMgungundlovu champions, and then went on to overcome strong provincial opposition.

Along the way, the Rural Boys accounted for the likes of uMkhomazi United, Dlangezwa Hellenic and Msinga United to book their place among the country’s top 32 teams. General manager Ntuthuko Mlaba said the achievement was a testament to the resilience of the players and technical staff. “It was not easy at all.

This competition starts right at the bottom, where local teams have to eliminate each other before you even think about provincial opponents or teams from the National First Division,” said Mlaba. But we are proud of our players and technical staff for overcoming every challenge and continuing to win. Reaching the last 32 is something we worked very hard for.

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Mlaba acknowledged that Sunday’s opponents will present a stern test, with Lerumo Lions competing a tier above in the country’s second division. “We know we are playing a professional side from a higher league. We have done our research and we know what to expect,” he said.

Mlaba also urged local supporters to rally behind the team in what promises to be a historic occasion. “Our supporters always play a big role for us. We are appealing to them to come out in their numbers and help carry us through on Sunday.” Formed in 2020 under the leadership of chairperson Goodluck Mzobe, Mkhambathi FC continue to show signs of a club on the rise.

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