By Chris Totobela
This week the spolight falls on the three local sides that will take part in the 2024/25 season of the Sarah Baartman Hollywood Bets Regional League.
The new season kicks off this weekend and will see all three local representatives in action.
Maru FC seems to be the most formidable of the three sides and has a solid squad with a lot of depth. They just need to beef up their goalkeeping department, which looks a little bit shaky at times. Maru will be among the title contenders and with all the talent and experience the team has, it won’t be a surprise if they pip other contenders at the finishing line.
City Pirates have a strong youthful team but inconsistency is their major downfall. They have strengthened their squad with some very good acquisitions, and if they play each game with the same positive attitude, they might surprise a lot of people.
Newly-promoted XI Attackers will have a bit of a mountain to climb as some of their young players will need time to adjust to the big stage. They are a relatively good side, but will have to pull out all the stops and be able to dish out impressive performances week in and week out. They also need to get a back-up goalminder that will be as competitive as their first choice keeper.
Football legend and former Santos FC defender, Xolela “Joe” Tyelbooi, believes the local sides can go all the way. “All these three teams have very good and talented players, but will be let down by discipline as today’s players lack respect for the game and want to be begged to go to training and come to games. There are also other factors like refereeing that might affect them, especially in away games. Here at home the situation is scary as we see the same refereeing team every season without any development of young and upcoming referees.”
Makana LFA secretary and head of competition, Akhona Heshu, says all three teams will have to sort out their administration. “The talent is there for everyone to see, but the administration side of things is the challenge. It is difficult to be a coach and still run around doing other administrative duties as that puts a lot of burden on one’s shoulders.”
If the local sides want to make any impression in the regional league, this will be the season to do that.
