The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, has its sights on ensuring that more provincial soccer teams are promoted to the Betway Premiership.
MEC Galebekwe Tlhapi says the government intends to help develop more teams to join Orbit College FC at the country’s top league after their recent triumph in a promotion play off against Cape Town City last month in Rustenburg.
“We are going to sit as intergovernmental departments and discuss the approach. We are in this together as a government. We do not only support teams but individual persons. Despite challenges of budget constraints, the department wants to ensure that it supports athletes and the different sporting codes across the province,” said Tlhapi during the department’s budget vote at the provincial legislature in Mahikeng.
She continued to also set the record straight regarding the department’s support to Orbit College FC, adding that they did not start rallying behind the team after its victory and that the support has been ongoing.
Her remarks come after the official media launch of the team that was held on Mandela Day at Olympia Park Stadium, in Rustenburg, where they showcased their new kit as well as the team’s new signings.
These includes the return of Monnapule Saleng on loan from Orlando Pirates, also Thuso Moleleki and Yanga Madiba on loan from Pirates, as well as Lucky Malatsi (Lerumo Lions), Thato Mohlamme (Richards Bay FC) and Yamkela Gamede (Hungry Lions FC).
The Rustenburg-based outfit is currently at the second leg of the pre-season training camp in Potchefstroom, after completing the first full week at Royal Marang near Rustenburg, ahead of the new season.
