1️⃣ Humble Beginnings and Wartime Football (1915–1959)

In the early 20th century, football was beginning to take hold in mining towns and working-class communities across South Africa. In 1915, a group of amateur players came together in Benoni on the East Rand to form a team that would slowly etch its name into South African football folklore.

Founding Highlights:

• Established: 1915, as Benoni United – one of the oldest football teams in South Africa.
• Functioned as a community-based amateur club for decades before the professional era.

2️⃣ Professional Transition and Early Mergers (1959–1971)

With the creation of the National Football League (NFL) in 1959, Benoni United registered as a professional club. But the 1960s were filled with identity shifts and alliances as football clubs jostled to survive under the pressure of segregation-era sports structures.

Key Events:

• 1959: Officially joins the NFL as a professional club.
• 1963: Merges with Brakpan United and Springs Old Boys to form East Rand United.
• 1966: Splits from East Rand United and re-enters the NFL under the original Benoni United name.

3️⃣ Reinvention and NPSL Era (1972–1976)

As the landscape of South African football evolved with the formation of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1971, Benoni United underwent a dramatic rebirth. A breakaway led by visionary Mickey Bookholoane paved the way for the club’s re-entry into elite competition.

Turning Points:

• 1972:
  • Mickey Bookholoane, with support from influential figures like Dr. Nthato Motlana, Dr. Mafu Dotwana, and Dr. Pika Nene, bought the status of Nigel United Buccaneers’ NPSL status.
  • The professional license is transferred to Benoni United — approved by the NPSL.
• 1975:
  • Under coach John Thomas, Benoni finishes 6th in the league and reaches the Top 8.
• 1976:
  • Achieves best-ever league finish: 2nd place, behind Kaizer Chiefs.
  • Reaches BP Top 8 final, Benson & Hedges Cup semifinals.

4️⃣ Golden Era & Big Signings (1980s)

The 1980s brought both glamour and heartbreak. The club became one of the most talked-about sides, especially after signing star forward Andries “Six Mabone” Maseko from Moroka Swallows in a record deal — but financial and competitive pressures loomed.

Milestones:

• 1983:
  • Signs Andries Maseko for R25,000 — then a South African transfer record.
  • Gains KWIKOT sponsorship, becoming Kwikot Benoni.
• Notable Players from the Era:
  • Clive “Shoes” Kubheka
  • Peter “Monday” Sejake
  • Vincent “Last Born” Makroti
  • Kenneth “The Horse” Mokgojoa
  • Richard “Litre” Lata
  • Samuel “Happy Cow” Nkomo
  • Jacob “Buddha” Mathathe
  • Aaron “Shaka” Nkosi

5️⃣ Decline, Relegation, and Deregistration (1985–2003)

Success proved difficult to sustain. By the mid-1980s, the Rabbits were running out of luck. The club was relegated in 1985 and spent nearly two decades languishing in the lower leagues before eventually folding.

Collapse Timeline:

• 1985: Relegated from top flight for the first time since turning professional.
• 1985–2003: Competes in First Division, with dwindling resources.
• Eventually deregistered, falling into football obscurity.

6️⃣ Benoni Premier United & The PSL Return (2004–2007)

The name Benoni returned to the PSL thanks to a bold acquisition. In 2004, Premier United bought the PSL license of Hellenic FC and relocated the club to Benoni. They rebranded as Benoni Premier United and began playing at Makhulong Stadium.

Revival Snapshot:

• 2005: Benoni Premier United promoted to the Premier Soccer League.
• 2006: Narrowly avoids relegation.
• 2007:
  • Sells top-flight license to Thanda Royal Zulu.
  • Club ceases operations again.

Notable Product:

• Bernard Parker – One of SA’s top exports, came through during the Benoni Premier era.

7️⃣ Modern Revival: The Shepherds Era (2011–Present)

Though Benoni United faded, its story wasn’t over. In 2011, Shepherds Sporting Group acquired the club’s naming and commercial rights. After years of preparation, a formal relaunch was announced for 2023—signaling the return of one of SA’s most nostalgic football names.

Key Developments:

• 2011: Naming rights acquired by Shepherds Sporting Group.
• 2023:
  • Club revived under President Nkateko Khoza.
  • Announces plans to return to professional football by August 2024.
  • Emphasis on development, community roots, and heritage preservation.

🧤 Legacy and Identity

Benoni United is more than just an old football team. It represents East Rand pride, resilience, and a recurring theme in South African football: you can’t kill community legacy. Through eras of reinvention, loss, and rebirth, the Rabbits have always found a way to hop back into the spotlight.

Club Traits:

• Deep township identity (Wattville, East Rand, Ekurhuleni)
• Known for producing gritty, charismatic footballers
• A symbol of football nostalgia for the golden PSL era
• “Kwikot Benoni” remains a cult name among 80s and 90s fans