Orange Farm is often associated with poverty, unemployment, crime, and social challenges. Yet within the township, stories of hope and determination continue to rise, and one of those stories is the Orange Farm United Sports Academy.
Founded in 2021 by brothers Sinethemba Zondo and Simphiwe Zondo, alongside Gift Gabelane and Ndumiso Mbobo, the Academy was created to provide children in Orange Farm with a safe space to grow through sport, discipline, and mentorship.
Supported by Vulindlela Primary School, and with funding driven by Simphiwe Zondo, the academy has grown steadily. This progress continues even though it operates without formal sponsorship.
Today, Orange Farm United is home to 163 young athletes across soccer and netball, with teams ranging from junior development to senior open level. The soccer division has 101 players from U/9 to open age groups, while netball has 62 players from U/13 to open level.
The academy recently celebrated a major milestone after two of its players, Bonolo Motaung and Nhlanhla Mokoena, were selected for the 2026 Gauteng U/12 and U/14 squads which was a proud achievement for both the club and the Orange Farm community.
Sinethemba Zondo, co-founder told OFN: “For many children, Orange Farm United is more than just a sports club. It provides structure, mentorship, and hope while encouraging young people to stay focused in school and away from crime, drugs, and other negative influences.”
He added that the vision goes beyond sport alone “We want to build disciplined, responsible young people who believe in their future, even when their environment tries to tell them otherwise.”
The partnership with Vulindlela Primary ensures education remains a priority, while the founders continue to mentor and guide the players both on and off the field.
Despite a lack of sponsorship, Orange Farm United continues to prove that sport can transform lives and create opportunities for township youth.
