Even more history for Smuts United

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Smuts United are determined to keep the writers of the history books very busy this season. Last weekend, they once again made history by becoming the first club from Sedgefield to qualify for the Safa Eden Men's Regional League.

Smuts United took part in the Regional League playoffs last weekend, taking on the five other winners of the local football association (LFA) leagues that fall under the Safa Eden region - Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Hessequa.

The play-offs are a vital part of the Safa Eden football structures as they help determine which two teams are promoted from their LFA leagues to the Regional League.

Last season, Knysna LFA (KLFA) Domestic League winners Red Eagles joined FC United and CX Celtics in the Regional League, and Smuts United were hoping to be the fourth KLFA team to join the fray.

The play-offs were carried out in Knysna and Sedgefield between the fields in Smutsville, Hornlee and Loerie Park from Friday to Sunday, 12 to 14 August.

A total of 15 games were played over the course of the weekend and Smuts' journey started with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Springroses on Friday.

It was followed by a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Sea Birds and then a 3-2 loss against Junior Golden Stars. This left Smuts United in a tough position if they were to qualify for the Regional League - they would have to win both of their games on Sunday and hope Junior Golden Stars failed to win at least one match.

Smuts beat Vista 4-2 to keep their hopes alive while Junior Golden Stars also won their first game of the day. In order for Smuts to qualify, they'd need to win their second game by a big margin, and they managed to do just that, crushing FC Kwano 9-0, while Junior Golden stars drew against Vista.

This meant Smuts United finished second in the play-offs on goal difference and thus qualified for the Safa Eden Men's Regional League as the first-ever Sedgefield club to do so.

They are now the fourth KLFA team in the Regional League and KLFA chairperson Chris Tyhawana is overjoyed.

"I must once again congratulate Smuts United on behalf of the Knysna LFA; they have been incredible this season," he said. "They are now the fourth Knysna LFA team in the Regional League and it is physical proof of the growth that is happening in our local football. Congratulations, Smuts United."

Photo: Blake Linder