Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Free State side Carara Kicks strongly believe they can translate their Vodacom League success into the National First Division (NFD).

Owned by rising businessman Motebang Mokoena, Kicks hope to spend just one season in the NFD to attain their goal of playing in the envied Absa Premiership.

Mokoena, son of Free State Stars chairman Mike Mokoena, is highly involved in the construction business in Free State.

Kicks gained promotion to the NFD after spending one season in the Vodacom League, which saw them getting a silver medal at the national play-offs.

"We are well on track to gain promotion, as you can see we are in the race for the league title," said an upbeat Mokoena yesterday.

Kicks are currently involved in a neck-and-neck challenge for the league title with FC Cape Town, Ikapa Sporting and African Warriors in the Coastal stream.

"I have made it clear to the players and technical staff that we should all redouble our efforts to ensure the team plays in the Premiership next season," he said.

"Competition is stiff in the Coastal stream but not as tight as the one in the Inland stream where you have Jomo Cosmos, Black Leopards, Winnerspark and Tukkies.

Mokoena is over the moon that in their first season in the NFD, they have produced national team material in Nkane Zwane, who also plays for Amajita.

Asked about reports that he is a front for his father in the club, Mokoena said: "That's nonsense. I have my own businesses, I'm building houses in the Free State.

"I do go to my dad for advice when I have challenges."