Sakhile Stars FC celebrates the remarkable success of their development program as two of their players earn promotions to higher divisions in the 2024 Gauteng Development League (GDL).
Junior ‘Busquets’ Ramaila (13) from Ext1, a student at Jabulile Secondary, has advanced to Wits Juniors U15. Joining Sakhile Stars at the age of 9 in 2019, he thrived under Grassroots Development Program, mastering football fundamentals through a structured curriculum.
Ditebogo ‘Professor’ Sibanda (16), representing Drieziek 5 and attending Lenasia South Secondary, has been promoted to U17 of Highlands Park FC. His journey began with in 2019, following an agreement with Deep South FC (Coach Vusi & Mbuyi) recognizing Sakhile Stars as the ideal platform for his football progression. After joining Mamelodi Sundowns U13 in 2021 and swiftly rising to U15, his standout performances for SAFA Gauteng U15 caught Highlands Park’s attention, leading to his transfer.
Reflecting on the club’s ethos, founder Tebogo Mokubung shared with Orange Farm News: “Established in 2011, Sakhile Stars aims to leverage sports as a catalyst for positive community change. Our motto ‘Discipline, Respect, Teamwork’ embodies our core values, emphasizing the importance of education alongside football excellence. We take pride in our graduates’ achievements, spanning various fields such as Chemical Engineering, Geological Science, Education, and more.”
Mokubung continued, expressing delight in the players’ holistic development, including improved social and communication skills, with many now fluent in English thanks to friendships forged on and off the field. With players thriving at Farouk Khan’s Stars of Africa Academy and a promising pipeline of talent, Sakhile Stars looks forward to further elevating Orange Farm’s soccer legacy.
