EMALAHLENI – Makubephi F.C. completed a historic unbeaten season on 28 June 2026 after defeating Mighty Rangers F.C. 1-0 to win the 2025/2026 Ezinambeni Local Football Association (LFA) Zonal League title.
The victory secured the club's place in the Regional Playoffs, where they will battle for promotion to the SAB League, officially known as the Hollywoodbets Regional League. As they prepare for the next stage of their journey, the club has appealed to businesses and potential sponsors to come on board and support their promotion campaign.
The newly established club won all 30 league matches in its debut season, finishing with 90 points and scoring more than 100 goals without conceding a single draw or defeat. Striker Sizwe Motha finished as the league's top goalscorer with an impressive 55 goals, while goalkeeper Promise Ngwenyama recorded the most clean sheets in the league.
Founded on 28 February 2025 by chairman Richard Khoza, the club was established to create opportunities for talented young footballers in the Ezinambeni community. Just over a year later, that vision has become a remarkable success story.
Head coach Lihle Sibeko said the achievement was the reward for months of sacrifice and belief.
"It feels like a dream that we turned into work and then into history. For the team, it's relief, pride and joy all at once. Thirty games, no losses and no draws – we carried pressure every single week and never cracked.
"For me personally, I'm emotional. I see the sacrifices – players leaving work early, management searching for transport money and supporters standing in the sun for 90 minutes. This trophy belongs to all of them. We're not just champions. We're 'The Invincibles' now, and that feeling is forever."
Sibeko said the club's success was built on culture, discipline and belief.
"We built a family, not just a squad. The boys play for each other. There are no egos. Talent wins games, but culture, discipline and belief win leagues unbeaten."
Chairman Richard Khoza attributed the club's success to unity, hard work and commitment.
"The secret we have is that we are serious, united and hardworking. I am extremely proud of my players and the technical team, especially head coach Lihle Sibeko and team secretary Njabulo Mnguni."
He also praised the supporters for standing behind the team throughout the season.
"Our supporters have been incredible from the first day of the season. They stood by the team throughout this journey and played a huge role in our success."
Khoza encouraged young people to stay away from drugs, focus on education and participate in sport, saying it can create opportunities. He also appealed to the business community to support the club as it prepares for the Regional Playoffs.
"As we move towards the SAB League, we call on sponsors to come on board and assist us in continuing this journey."
Ezinambeni LFA chairperson Vusi Kabinde described the achievement as one of the greatest in the league's history.
"Our league has ended, and Makubephi F.C. have made history. I cannot remember the last time a team won all 30 games without a single loss or draw. They have made us proud."
Top goalscorer Sizwe Motha thanked the supporters, teammates and coaching staff.
"This title means a lot because we made history in the LFA league with no losses and no draws. We wanted to set a record this season and I am proud of what we achieved together."
Goalkeeper Promise Ngwenyama said recording the most clean sheets in the league motivates him to continue improving.
"I congratulate my teammates, the technical team and our supporters because without them, these achievements would not have been possible."
From a club founded to create opportunities for young talent to unbeaten champions in their debut season, Makubephi F.C. have written their name into the history books of local football.
