Mbombela-based side make most of back door entry with heroics in play-offs

Lawyer Slungu Thobela first came to prominence eight years ago, when he represented then Orlando Pirates midfielder Benson Mhlongo in a case for alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Mhlongo, who is now assistant coach at Bucs, had been arrested by the police’s flying squad with five others in Mpumalanga. The case against Mhlongo and the others was later withdrawn in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court after one of the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

The 43-year-old has also dealt with high-profile cases, including the Mbombela Stadium saga, but it’s his football club TS Sporting – not to be confused with TS Galaxy owned by Tim Sukazi – that has thrown him back into the spotlight.

In 2016, he bought the status of SAB League outfit City Stars and they were promoted to the ABC Motsepe League the same season (2016/2017).

After a season in the third tier of SA football, the Zwelisha, Mbombela-based team booked their spot in the national play-offs, albeit through a back door.

TS Sporting had actually finished second behind Phiva Young Stars, who were docked 33 points for fielding ineligible players.

They were not given much of a chance heading to the play-offs after their back door entry, but Thobela has had fond memories of Limpopo, having completed his law degree at the University of the