KNYSNA NEWS - In a moment that will go down in local football history, five-year-old Knysna-based club La liga FC has taken the Safa Eden Hollywoodbets Regional League title over the weekend in their debut campaign in the structured regional football system.
The rise of this youthful side was cemented with a 2-1 victory over Kabu Yellow in the final match of the 2024/25 season, officially crowning them regional champions and securing their spot in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League Promotional Play-offs.
Impressive run of form
In just a short time, La liga has made a name for itself, having previously lifted silverware in major regional tournaments such as the 2023 Woza Woza Tournament and the KLFA Easter Soccer Tournament 2024. This latest title caps a fairytale season for the young club.
La liga finished the season with 66 points, winning 20 of their 30 matches, drawing six, and losing only four. They scored 57 goals and conceded 29.
Their final victory sealed their promotion chances, while consigning Plettenberg Bay side Kabu Yellow to relegation after they ended the season with only 26 points.
First half
On a cold Saturday after-noon at a packed venue, the champions delivered a strong performance against Kabu Yellow. The game started brightly, with Kabu Yellow building promising plays down the right wing.
They were awarded an early penalty following a tackle in the box, which was converted by Awonke Sondaba, putting them 1-0 ahead.
La liga responded quickly. Masomelele Phato unleashed a powerful long-range effort to equalise, making it 1-1 before the half-time whistle.
Second half
The second half saw both teams pushing forward, but it was Simamkele Mhlekwa who turned hero for La liga, first denying Kabu Yellow with a series of key saves and then stepping up to convert a crucial penalty.
His goal made it 2-1, a scoreline that remained until the final whistle despite chances for both sides.
In midfield, Luphelo Kom stood out with a commanding performance, orchestrating play and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
Eyes on the play-offs
La liga now shifts focus to the ABC Motsepe League Promotional Play-offs, scheduled for 19-20 July in Beaufort West. There, they'll compete for a coveted spot in the Western Cape Third Division.
Player reaction
19-year-old centre back Lukhanyo Mjamba shared his excitement with Knysna Plett Herald:
"My heart is over the moon. It wasn't easy, especially being our first season in regional football, but we stayed united and started picking up crucial results in the second leg.
I still can't believe it. I can't wait to lift that trophy. "Now, we look forward to representing our region with pride in the play-offs."
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