Community-owned teams help reduce crime
MBABANE – Building a better community through soccer.
Founded in 1982, Nkhomonye Cosmos, a community-owned team, has not only left an indelible mark in the Northern Super League, but has also made significant contributions to reducing delinquent behaviour among the youth in the region.
The team’s formation was aimed at steering the youth away from delinquency and since their inception, there has been a noticeable decline in the rate of crime.
In the 2022/23 season, Nkhomonye Cosmos achieved a remarkable feat by securing promotion to the region’s top division, the Super League, from the Eastern Promotion League.
Their debut season in the Super League saw them surprise many by qualifying for the regional National First Division (NFD) Playoffs, where they narrowly lost to All Nations. Their journey to the final was marked by victories over Hlatikhulu United, Amalanda and Nkwene Sundowns.
Furthermore, Nkhomonye Cosmos recently added accolades to their trophy cabinet by triumphing in the Southern Trading Top 8 Knockout. In the final showdown against Home Affairs, Nkhomonye Cosmos displayed their prowess at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano.
With a strong first-half performance, they secured a one-goal lead and, determined to solidify their victory, added another goal, sealing a 2-0 win and emerging as the Southern Trading Company Top 8 Champions.
On the other side of the spectrum, Home Affairs, founded in 2011, boasts a youthful squad with a majority of players under the age of 23, reflecting an average squad age of 18.9 years.
Under the guidance of Coach Mduduzi Zitha and Director Thami Motsa, the team has showcased a style of play centred on pass-and-move football.
Home Affairs’ journey to the finals included victories over Sprinters, Nsingizini, as well as the Ingwenyama Cup regional representatives, Nyamane Classic.
Both Nkhomonye Cosmos and Home Affairs exemplify the positive impact of community-owned teams and the potential for sports to channel the energy and talent of the youth towards constructive endeavours, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the community.