Camdeboo Football Academy Development (FAD) produced an impressive performance to defeat Makanda Rini United (MARU) FC 3-0 in their ABC Motsepe Foundation League encounter at Montego Botanical Sports Grounds on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The result marked a strong response to the academy’s 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Pride FC in the opening league match on 26 September. According to team manager Dan Memese, the club began its pre-season preparations in August with a recruitment drive to identify young, energetic players from across South Africa. The academy now has 30 players, about 75% of them locally based, and has strengthened its technical team with coach Thandolwethu Ndiki from East London (KwaGompo), who holds a B Licence and has a strong football track record.
Memese said the team responded positively to the opening defeat and worked hard in preparation for the MARU encounter. “We were the best on the field, not only with goals but also in the way we played and defended,” he said, adding that MARU managed only one scoring opportunity, which they failed to convert. Despite the convincing scoreline, he felt Camdeboo could have scored more after missing several chances. “Our players were always in a rush and desperately needed a win, which cost us some chances,” he said. Goalkeeper Khanya “Khune” Mtyatyambha was named Man of the Match after what Memese described as an exceptional performance.
The academy now turns its attention to the Nedbank Cup, with an away fixture in Queenstown this coming weekend. Memese thanked the supporters who braved the rainy conditions and appealed to local businesses to assist the club. “This project needs resources and funds to sustain it. It is our fourth season in the ABC Motsepe League,” he said.
