Smuts rewrites the history books

SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Smutsville-based soccer club Smuts United last weekend rewrote the history books of the Knysna Local Football Association by winning the KLFA Domestic League for the first time.

In doing so they became the first club in the history of the KLFA to win the Easter Soccer Tournament, Oyster Soccer Tournament and the Domestic League in one season.

A number of teams have won all three of these titles over the years, but none had ever won the treble in one season. Smuts' historic journey started in November 2021, with the season getting off to a slow start in the first few rounds.

But, by the end of December, they had found their groove and climbed to top spot in the Domestic League.

In the months that followed they remained top, only giving up the position in March to Young Stars before reclaiming it in April. It was at this time that the KLFA Easter Soccer Tournament rolled around, and the Smutsville outfit didn't rest on their laurels. They beat La Liga in extra time to win their first Easter title.

Their focus then shifted back to the league, which they led from April right up to the end of the season.

La Liga goalkeeper Mafuya Songo plays a pass to a teammate. Photo: Blake Linder

Before they had the chance to finish the Domestic League, Smuts had to try their hand at winning their first KLFA Oyster Soccer Tournament. Once more they did not falter, beating FC Rebels 3-2 in a thrilling final for their maiden Oyster trophy.

A week-and-a-half later and it was crunch time in the Domestic League as the final round of fixtures was upon them. While there were many ifs, buts, and maybes for other clubs hoping to usurp Smuts United, for them the equation was simple - win their final two games on 22 and 24 July and the title was theirs.

In case it wasn't already clear, Smuts United have nerves of steel and showcased this once more. They beat Slow Town 4-0 on Friday and overcame Young Chiefs 3-1 on Sunday to make history.

In addition to being the first club overall to win the treble, they were the first team from Sedgefield to win the Easter trophy as well as the first Sedgefield outfit to win the Oyster trophy.

It's been a phenomenal season, and the chairman of the KLFA Chris Tyhawana congratulated them on the feat. "On behalf of the Knysna Local Football Association Executive I would like to congratulate Smuts United Football Club for their achievement in this season. Indeed, they performed very well this season," he said.

"It was not an easy journey for them but they did it competing with regional teams in some of the tournaments. We wish them all the best for the play-offs for the Safa Eden Men's Regional League."

Smuts United with their history-making KLFA Domestic League trophy.