HISTORY AND PROFILE
The club was established in 1977 under the leadership of Physical education Teacher Mr. Alwyn Leo, together with a group of pupils from the St. Thomas High School. Mr. Leo also served as the clubs first chairman in the same year.
The club enjoyed immediate success after affiliating to the then Eastern Province Soccer Board (now NAFA). They consistently won promotion through the various league structures, clinching the league titles from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, the club won promotion to the premier division and ended the season in a creditable 3rd position. 1983 proved to be another milestone in the clubs rapidly developing history as two of their players; Gregory Kops and Keith Assam were selected to represent the provincial team.
Over the years Saints became known for their exciting brand of football and this eventually gave rise to the clubs nickname the MAMBAS. It has become a brand name ever since. Realising the importance of youth development, the club opened its members to juniors in 1997. The club registered a u/10 team in that year. Under the phenomenal guidance of Feizal Nicholas, a fully fledged junior wing was established in 1998, consisting of all junior divisions from u/9 to u/17. During 2008, the junior wing expanded even further following the introduction of a u/6 nursery team. The youth structure at the club is characterized by 4 pillars, that being SPIRITUALITY, PARTICIPATION, EDUCATION and EXCELLENCE.
The year 2002 proved to be both a highlight and a low point in the clubs existence. On the one hand, the club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable Gala evening; while on the other hand, the senior team experienced the pain of relegation to the promotion league. The pain was short-lived however, as the club regained promotion to the premier league the following year. This achievement is testimony to the character of both the players and administrators of Saints FC.
Yet another milestone was reached in 2007 when Saints became the second club under the auspices of the NAFA to acquire a home venue. This was chiefly due to the initiative and persistence of current chairman, Greg Kops. It remains the clubs vision to develop the venue into a multi-purpose resource facility for the benefit of the youth of the communities that it serves. Saints FC is one of the largest and most respected amateur clubs in the Northern Areas and Port Elizabeth as a whole. It has made significant contributions to football in the area and it is one of the most organized clubs in terms of player development and administrative skills. It also runs a very successful 7-a-side junior tournament annually.
The following member served as club chairman with distinction:
Alec Leo, Yusuf Davids, Keith Brandt, Mr. Davids, Andrew Smith, Quinton Knight, Glenn Leen, Clarence King, Saville Kops, Isaac Adams, Martie Frieslaar, Eddie Davids and Greg Kops.
The club also produced numerous NAFA representative players in both the junior and senior ranks as well as national amateur representatives, European tour participants and professional players.
HONOURS ROLE
NAFA Premier League Runners Up: 2023
NAFA Premier Reserve League Champions : 2023
NAFA Mala-Moodaley K/O Cup Champions (Back to back): 2023
NAFA 50th Annual Easter Tournament Champions : 2023
NAFA Premier Top 8 Cup Competition Champions : 2023
NAFA Mala-Moodaley K/O Cup Champions: 2022
NAFA Easter Tournament 3rd Place: 2022
NAFA 1st Division League Champions: 2021
NAFA Premier League Champions: 2010
Mala Moodaley K/O Champions: 2010
PADSA Easter Tournament Champions: 2010
NAFA Premier League champions: 2007
NAFA Easter Tournament Champions: 2006
Castle League: 8th Position: 2006
NAFA Premier League Runners Up: 2005
NMMM Cup Runners Up: 2004
Reserve K/O Winners: 2004
Castle League: Fourth Place: 2005
Mala Moodaley K/O Runners Up: 2000
Winners Plate Section East London Tournament: 1998
Mala Moodaley K/O Runners Up: 1998
Inaugural Pro-am Easter T’ment (CT) Winners: 1988
Mala Moodaley K/O Runners Up: 1987
League Titles (Promotion league): 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
VISION
A community based club providing all of its members with fun, development, and a lifelong passion for the beautiful game.
MISSION STATEMENT
- To maintain Saints Soccer’s long and rich tradition, dedicated to the promotion of life-long soccer for all.
- To provide a wide range of training opportunities for learning and development, skill building and leadership, both on and off the field.
- To demonstrate our commitment to high quality governance and infrastructure for our community from our club members to those partners, municipal, regional or national.
- To be mindful of the Saints traditions we inherit and the legacy we create.
OUR VALUES
Community
Fun
Development
Respect
Spirit
Inclusiveness
Perseverance
KEY GOALS
1. Governance Excellence
2. Recruitment & Retention
3. Development and Training Excellence 4. Improved Club & Community Ties
