Citizens win Langa LFA, set sights on SAB Motsepe play-offs
With a four-point cushion at the top of the senior division, Citizens Football Club has been crowned champions of the Langa Ndabeni Local Football Association.
Citizens played to a 1-1 draw against Power Aces, in the premier division, at the Langa sports complex on Sunday, October 6.
The draw extended their lead to 47 points, with second-placed Lion City finishing on 43 points.
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder and head coach at Citizens, Gareth Ncaca, said last year’s shortfall of finishing second in the league, inspired his young team to push further to win it this year.
“At the end it is the dedication and commitment from the players and the team. I really have to give it to them and the chairman in terms of how we supported each other.
“We made this year a year of rewards as well for the players that are performing well. We gave them a chance to go and train with clubs such as Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City, Paarl United and Young Bafana in the ABC Motsepe. Just to give them an opportunity to see their level as well. I think that worked for us as well because we are all about opportunity for the gents,” said Ncaca.
Citizens will now shift their focus in preparation for the SAB Motsepe League promotional play-offs, at the end of October.
“The play-offs are another test, another experience for the boys. We are going there as the Langa community. If we go through, it will be an opportunity for every young and talented player from Langa and neighbouring communities to come and join us to play in the SAB Motsepe. We do have one, Wanderers. It would be nice to have another one from Langa,” said Ncaca.
“I know this group. I’ve seen them throughout the season. I think we have been hiding this talent for a long time so it’s an opportunity now for them to showcase their talent at the play-offs and hopefully if we don’t go through some of them will get the opportunity to be signed by other clubs,” said Ncaca.
