Khabo Zitha celebrates Mamelodi 11 Stars’ top eight finish on debut season

The Tshwane outfit collected 37 points from 28 matches, finishing just four points behind Mito Stars Ladies FC.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the former Banyana Banyana star says their primary objective was to avoid relegation and maintain their league status. 

“The season started on a high note with a fear of the unknown. The first year after promotion to the SAFA Provincial League has been the greatest achievement ever for the girls. They gained experience and we managed to secure a top-eight spot in our debut season. The target was to keep our league status, but I am proud that the players and the technical team went above and beyond,” said Zitha.

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Mamelodi 11 Stars recorded 10 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats in their 28 matches. Zitha is also pleased that the team has qualified for the league’s top-eight tournament, scheduled for next month.

“The team qualified for the league’s top-eight tournament, which will kick off next month. We have struggled a lot this season in terms of different schedules for the games, transportation for the team to honour fixtures and travelling costs for players based outside Mamelodi. But against all odds, the team was successful this year. I hope they perform well in the upcoming top-eight tournament,” added Zitha.

Reflecting on a competitive campaign, Zitha says the team has gained valuable experience and is already looking ahead to the new season, with ambitions of earning promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League.

“The league has been truly competitive; there was no walk-in-the-park team. We learned a lot during the season, and we are looking forward to seeing our team, Mamelodi 11 Stars Ladies, competing for a Hollywoodbets Super League spot next season.

“We will be playing in the last two tournaments during the off-season to leave a remarkable spark at the end of the football season. We want to continue our mission and vision. We are looking forward to a great season next year, and we appreciate the opportunity,” she expressed.