13 November 2019 – The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) Men’s Regional League (SAB) has always served as a vital feeder system within South African local footballing structures.
The importance of the League as well as the U21 Championships has been validated by the likes of SAB graduate Lebo Mothiba making it all the way to national team level and even overseas.
This serves as one mere example among many and is testament to the breeding ground status that the league has garnered over the years.
One particular SAFA region that has always proved to be a hotbed of talent is none other than Ekurhuleni in the Gauteng province.
The SAB League in this region has produced some quality football this season that has caught the eye of not just the die-hard spectators but scouts as well.
The team bossing proceedings at this stage are little-known Verbal Warning FC, who have stormed into top spot with seven impressive victories and three draws from ten completed games and a decent goal difference of +16. The unbeaten club are playing in their first ever season in this league and are already difficult to stop.
SAFA.net caught up with the team’s young and hungry manager Cindy Hadebe who shared her unique insights into exactly what makes the club tick as well as some other interesting information.
Talking about the club’s journey, Hadebe is simply grateful to have made it this far.
“We played under the Brakpan LFA for two seasons. We ended as runners-up in our first year and then went on to win the league the following season. We entered the play-offs and won there too hence giving us the opportunity to play in this league. Since then we haven’t looked back and are really focused but also grateful to be here,” she said.
When coaxed about the team’s secret to success, Hadebe remained circumspect.
“This team simply works hard but added to that, the boys are extremely talented as well. The coach, Mr Dumisani Masondo, puts them through their paces each week with intense training sessions, ensuring the boys are mentally and physically fit,” said the manager.
The dedicated administrator also divulged some of the club’s goals and ambitions for the future.
“Just like any other team we are striving to get to the next level. Our short-term goal is to play in the ABC Motsepe League and that is our primary focus. My other wish is that our boys get spotted by the relevant talent scouts so that they can progress in their professional as well as personal lives,” added Hadebe.
She also stated how challenging football can be for small clubs. The players train on gravel fields and are desperate for a sponsor as that would make way for a grass pitch and equipment. The team have defied these odds and already come so far, but not without vital support.
Hadebe had a message for the club’s valued fans.
“Our next game is against a tough Vosloo United and we urge fans to come and support us. We value the people of Ekurhuleni and we do this for them. We are striving to improve game by game and get better,” concluded Hadebe.
The team’s next match against Vosloo is on Saturday, 16 November at 12h00 at Vosloorus Stadium.