Drakensburg Football Club, a side competing in the SAFA Alfred Nzo Hollywoodbets Regional League, has gained strong community backing after making an appeal for support from local football lovers.
Responding to the call, the Kaizer Chiefs supporters’ branch in Matatiele rallied behind the club, not only during community discussions organised by Drakensburg but also on the sidelines of the Informer Digital TV Regional Teams Mini Tournament. Supporters turned up in large numbers to cheer for the team on match day.
Maswazi Seloane, a member of the Chiefs’ branch in Matatiele, said their decision to support the team was immediate.
“We didn’t think twice when the club invited us to be part of the discussions. Their vision impressed us, and that motivated us to show up at the tournament. Now is the time for local supporters to unite and back this team so that it can reach the ABC Motsepe League in the province,” Seloane said.
Drakensburg General Manager, Lehlohonolo Lebenya, described the support as timely and inspiring. “We’ve seen this kind of backing in Mbizana where the community strongly supports their local team, and it really boosts the players’ morale. The truth is, supporters’ encouragement plays a huge role,” he said.
Lebenya also emphasised the importance of unity among fans across the football spectrum.
“It’s not only Chiefs fans who are welcome. We already have Pirates and Sundowns supporters among us. Imagine how powerful it would be to see all fans, regardless of their club loyalties, singing together for Drakensburg,” he added.
Last season, Drakensburg narrowly avoided relegation, finishing near the bottom of the log. Lebenya said the focus now is on rebuilding. “We survived by the skin of our teeth. This season, we want to change that. We’ve brought in a new coach, new players, and hopefully, with more supporters, the results will be different,” he said.
