Fans get behind Mbombela United

Having lost out on live Absa Premiership action due to the sale and relocation of Mpumalanga Black Aces, Mpumalanga fans have turned to Mbombela United whom they have urged to push for automatic promotion at the end of this season.

Mbombela came close to achieving a feat that only Chippa United have managed previously – spending just one season in the National First Division and jumping to the Premiership – but lost out to Highlands Park in the promotion play-offs.

Now the fans have urged the team to go for it once more. “Our fans have told us they need us in the Premiership next season,” said Mbombela playmaker Siyethemba Mnguni this week.

Mbombela kick off their NFD campaign with a match against Santos in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon. Mnguni said it will be a difficult season for them because teams are now aware of their potential.

“Teams know our style now and will have us figured out so we will need to work even harder. We did not win enough home games last season – we struggled at home. We need to fix that this time.

“We also need to play for each other and fight for the team. It will be more difficult because teams will be aware of our capabilities this time, but if we work together we will be able to rise again,” he said

Mbombela are not the only team looking for a lucrative Premiership place as the other 15 teams also want it.

Seven of the 16 NFD teams have already had the taste of top-flight football and will be looking for a return. Jomo Cosmos, AmaZulu, Thanda Royal Zulu, Santos, Stellenbosch FC (formerly Vasco da Gama), Black Leopards and University of Pretoria have previously played in the Premiership.

There are other teams who have come close to living their dreams in the more affluent Premiership, and will be looking to push for a spot by the end of the season.