Maritzburg United Football Club and its media partners, The Natal Witness, hosted a fund raising event for Team’s Academy at the White Horse last night.

The function was well attended by local business and corporate communities. “I am pleased that the event created awareness with both business and corporates making financial pledges in support of the club’s Football
Programme”, said Brand Manager Younus Kadodia.

The Chairman, Mr. Farook Kadodia in his address thanked the Natal Witness for the hosting of this function as well as other sponsors, Powerade, Kentucky Fried Chicken, SMG and the McCarthy Group.

He also stressed the importance of “hope” for our younger generation, the Team of Choice’s target for the province and its associated social responsibility.

“The need for partnership is crucial for the “gates” of opportunity to be sustained for the provinces youth," added Mr. Farook Kadodia.

" We have endorsed our commitment to Football Development for the past 7 years and we need the business and corporates to assist our established development programme”.

Comedian Stuart Taylor kept the guests in stitches with his humour, while City auctioneer, Peter Maskell auctioneered football memorabilia, which were the other highlights for the evening.

Football memorabilia on auction included, a Barcelona autographed replica, a Maritzburg United autographed replica, Newcastle United autographed and framed replica, an autographed Football and a Manchester United oil painting of their famous Euro Cup success against Bayern Munich in the famous treble winning year.

The last agenda on the evening was the unveiling of the 2009/2010 squad as well as welcoming the 12 new signings made by the club during the off-season.

The MUFC Squad for the 2009/2010 Season is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Brenden Wardle, Tashrique Goldman, Jonny Mathole

Defenders: James Madidilane, Bageta Dikulu, Byrone Hendricks, Elias Ngwepe, Mor Diouf, Peter Peterson

Midfielders: Noah Chivuta, J.B. Ncubeni, Musa Nyatama, John Arwuah, Chillies Madondo, Felix Obada, Rudolf Bester, Lindo Zamisa, Vito Badiane

Strikers: Brice Aka, Fadlu Davids, Collin Zimba, Norman Smith, Tumelo Mahlangu.