07 November 2019 – The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) all-important Men’s Regional Premier Leagues (aka SAB League) began in September across the country and are progressing nicely as teams look to gain ascendency as the year draws to a close.
With over 1 000 amateur teams comprised of roughly 40 000 players, this “third division” feeder league is the perfect platform for youth to display their talents. The nationwide competition will culminate in Provincial Play-offs in mid-2020.
At the end of the league season, provincial squads are selected across all nine provinces plus an invitational team from the University Sports South Africa (USSA) to compete in the National Championships.
The 10 teams are pitted against each other in a public draw. Over the years the National Championships has grown to become a breeding ground for professional scouts and coaches — particularly in the popular Gauteng area leagues.
The province is made up of the Johannesburg region (four streams), Tshwane (two streams), Ekurhuleni and West Rand.
The Blue Stream in Johannesburg sees the unbeaten Senaoane Gunners FC leading the pack with 22 points from eight completed matches while Pimville Cameroon FC head the Green Stream log. The Orange Stream sees Real Peace FC with eight wins from as many games while Opopo FC are setting the pace in the Yellow Stream with 22 points from nine matches and a healthy +17 goal difference.
Tshwane is just as interesting with Pretoria Athletic bossing proceedings in Stream A. Mike-1-Stars FC head Stream B with five wins from five but will face stiff competition from Tshwane United who have the exact same record and a very similar goal difference.
SAFA Ekurhuleni sees Kempton Park FC in first position but have the chasing pack of Jacoba FC, Vos Milan and Highlands Park to contend with.
The West Rand region has the potent Doornkop FC as early leaders while Bright Stars Soccer Academy seem to be in real trouble with zero points from their first seven fixtures.
The province is living up to its top billing and can only get better as teams look to secure coveted play-off positions.