SOCCER NEWS - Raul Stars FC from Thembalethu produced a commanding performance to win the Safa Eden Local Football Association (LFA) Promotional League championship in George last weekend.

The youthful side, which had earned promotion to the Safa Eden LFA in the 2020/21 season before later being relegated, bounced back in style by claiming the 2025/26 Geolfa Promotional League title.

The regional play-offs featured the six LFA champions: FC Zobo (Mossel Bay), FC Kwano (Hessequa), Raul Stars (George), Red Eagles (Knysna), Y2K FC (Plettenberg Bay) and Pirates FC (Oudtshoorn).

Raul Stars opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over FC Zobo at Thembalethu Stadium on Friday night. They followed that with a 5-1 win against FC Kwano before drawing 3-3 with Y2K FC.

On Sunday, Stars defeated Pirates FC 2-0 before edging Red Eagles 1-0, courtesy of Masibusisane Plaatjie, to finish on top with 13 points. They remained unbeaten, recording four wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding nine.

The 17-year-old winger, Thando Balani, was among the stand-out performers.

Coach Nyameko Ntshingwa hailed the achievement and thanked the players, management, sponsors and supporters for their contribution.

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