Five under-15 footballers from the Orange Farm Local Football Association (OFLFA) were selected to represent Orange Farm in the O.R. Tambo-Soncini Games, while local athletes also brought home medals in athletics.
The games took place at Ruimsig Stadium on 24 and 25 October, bringing together soccer players and athletes from different teams. The Orange Farm contingent included technical team members David Mokoena, Derocious Makhubalo and Mrs Nkeane, while the athletes were accompanied by selected coach Sipho Mhlanga.
Nkosikhona Nsele won two medals, earning silver in the 3,000m and bronze in the 1,500m, while Pamela Ditire claimed gold in the 800m.
The football selections also marked a milestone for OFLFA, with three girls and two boys selected to represent Orange Farm. The girls are Nkanyezi Mthethwa, Dieketseng Monaheng and Nobuhle Khumalo, while Tshepo Dlamini and Kagiso Maseko were selected in the boys’ category. The players attended a camp this past weekend.
“Having five players selected to represent Orange Farm is a proud moment for OFLFA. It shows the talent we have in our community and the importance of giving young players opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities,” said OFLFA secretary Patrick Mokwena.
The chairman of the Orange Farm Sports Council also praised local coaches for their contribution to youth development.
“As the chairman of the Orange Farm Sports Council, I would like to thank Joseph Ntoloane, the coach from Kweneng Football Club, the coach from Junior Stars, the LFA and coach Sipho Mhlanga. We are very proud of your work and dedication to the children and the community of Orange Farm. We truly appreciate your efforts,” he said.
The athletes’ medal wins and the footballers’ selections highlight the contribution of local coaches and community sports structures in developing young talent and creating opportunities for Orange Farm’s youth.
