Fresh off their hard-earned promotion to the FNB Premiership, Tonota FC is making it clear that their ambitions stretch well beyond the pitch.
At the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony, president Boikhutso Ramahobo took a moment not only to celebrate their triumphant First Division North campaign but to unveil a broader vision, one rooted in community upliftment, education, and the long-term development of their players.
“Promotion to the elite league is just the first chapter of a much bigger project,” Ramahobo told attendees. “The project we have in front of us has not even started properly yet. This is just the beginning for us.” In an era when many clubs chase quick wins and short-term survival, Tonota FC is carving out a different path, positioning itself as a community-driven institution that uses football as a catalyst for social and economic change.
Ramahobo, speaking alongside partners from the HSNV Group, emphasized the club’s commitment to supporting players beyond the final whistle. “With football, talent alone is not enough,” he said. “We want players to use football as a platform to improve their lives even after they stop playing.” He urged players to continue their education and professional growth while still on the squad, underscoring the club’s readiness to support those who invest in their futures.
This approach strikes at a growing concern in local football circles: the wellbeing of players once their careers end. Too often, athletes struggle to find stable careers after hanging up their boots. Against this backdrop, the ceremony brought together players, coaches, fans, and sponsors, all reveling in a season that saw Tonota FC rise to the FNBB Premiership with authority.
Ramahobo credited the team’s success to discipline, professionalism, and unity. “We are not a normal team,” he said. “Our players spend more time together, train seriously and treat football professionally.” He also paid homage to the Tonota community, praising their unwavering support throughout the campaign.
On the field, defender Tlhalefang Kame was the standout star of the night, claiming both Defender of the Season and Player of the Season honors. Awarded P10,000 for his defensive prowess and another P15,000 as the season’s top player, Kame’s commanding presence at the back was pivotal in Tonota’s push for promotion.
While celebrations were in full swing, the club’s leadership is already eyeing the challenges of the Premiership. Ramahobo revealed plans to bolster club infrastructure, expand community programs, and launch a youth academy designed to nurture the next generation of talent. “We want to develop future leaders,” he said. “Everything we do must benefit the community.”
On the transfer front, Tonota FC is moving aggressively ahead of their debut Premiership season. Reports suggest Orapa United striker Otiniel Nsunzu has declined to renew his contract and is linked with a move to the ambitious newcomers. Meanwhile, Morupule Wanderers’ left-back Thato Mosweunyane is expected to join on a two-year deal. Another key target is former Jwaneng Galaxy forward Thero Setsile, whose signing appears imminent with a three-year contract reportedly agreed in principle.
These arrivals underscore Tonota FC’s determination to compete with purpose in the FNB Premiership, not merely to survive, but to thrive.