North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation has injected an amount of R300 000 to Orbit College FC for being promoted to National First Division.
This is in addition to the prize money of R600,000.00 earned by Orbit College for securing a second position at the ABC Motsepe Playoffs tournament.
Orbit College FC, a North West-based football team, secured a spot in the prestigious Motsepe Foundation Championship, the National First Division (NFD), after finishing as runners-up in the ABC Motsepe League national playoffs.
The winners of the two semi-finals were guaranteed promotion to the South African First Division (Motsepe Foundation Championship). Therefore, both Orbit College and Upington City secured their spots in the NFD by reaching the final.
This achievement by Orbit College is significant as it means that the North West Provinces will now have two professional clubs in the NFD, following the promotions of Platinum City Rovers in 2021. Before this, the last professional team representing the North West was Platinum Stars in 2018.
The journey for Orbit College FC in the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs began with a 2-0 triumph over Mlambo Royal Cubs FC from Mpumalanga. They then faced Mpheni Home Defenders from Limpopo, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the last group stage match.
In the first semi-final, Orbit College emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over the host Province and early tournament favourites Umsinga United. Orbit College Coach Pogiso Makhoye says he is happy that the team has delivered on the mandate of playing in the National First Division.
"I am glad the team has delivered on the primary mandate of playing in the NFD next season despite losing the final. We have delivered on this mandate with young players, of which Ninety percent are from the North West Province and simultaneously from the college."
"I also wish to congratulate the team captain Atisang Batsi for achieving overall player of the tournament, thereby attaining prize money of R100 000.00. It shows that hard work does pay," said Pogiso.
Overall, the success achieved by Orbit College FC in reaching the national playoffs and securing second place in the ABC Motsepe League is a significant milestone. It is a testament to the team's hard work, determination, and perseverance throughout the season.
The college and the team can now set their sights on competing in the NFD. Congratulations to Orbit College FC on their well-deserved victory.
