JDR Stars Officially Sold And Renamed

Limpopo businessman Matakoane Lethwele Lister has confirmed his immediate purchase of JDR Stars, with the club to be renamed Leicesterford City for the upcoming Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

Lister, who served as a director at JDR last season, is not new to the club’s operations. Following the acquisition, the club has appointed Stan Nkoane as its new coach.

Nkoane previously coached Venda FC last season, where he successfully saved the team from relegation to amateur football.

“JDR belongs to me, and the club has been named Leicesterford City,” Lister told Sportswire.

According to the NSL Handbook, the new ownership will inherit all of JDR Stars’ players and technical staff, along with any existing debts. NSL rules also state that all employment contracts must be honored and that the new owner must prove the club’s financial stability.

Lister confirmed that the transaction has been approved by the PSL executive committee and that he has satisfied all requirements.

“We are inheriting the entire team of JDR as per the NSL, with its debts and everything,” Lister stated. “I’m inheriting their best players. One of the specific reasons why one bought the club, you look at the type of football that they have played, the type of players they have, and you make a decision from there.”

The new Leicesterford City, who are nicknamed Tau Tsa Monoka, will begin its Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign in August.

New coach Stan Nkoane brings a wealth of experience, having coached at clubs like Baroka, Sekhukhune United, and Marumo Gallants. He holds a unique record in South African football, having guided Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to a memorable Nedbank Cup victory over top-flight Golden Arrows in 2019/20, a first for a fourth-tier side.