1. Origins and Formation (1959)
In November 1959, a vision to bring professional football to Johannesburg’s Highlands North suburb gave birth to Highlands Park FC. Emerging from the local Balfour Park amateur club, the team was launched with strong community backing and initial capital of R30,000, later raised to R50,000. The club was structured as a business – a rarity at the time – with no individual holding controlling interest. Community members were buying shares in the club for R2.00 a share.
The club played its first match against Ramblers under the Rand Stadium floodlights, winning 4–1, and drew 3–3 away to Durban City in their second.
Early recruits: Neville Scott, Basil Hauser, Leon Banducci, Pip Hughes, and Aubrey Tyrrel (goalkeeper).
🟥 2. The Golden Era – NFL Domination (1960s–1970s)
From the early 1960s, Highlands Park quickly became a giant of the National Football League (NFL) – South Africa’s premier white-only league during apartheid. The club attracted top players from Scotland, Brazil, Israel, and across SA, mixing flair with tactical discipline.
🏆 Major Achievements:
| Competition | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| National Football League | 8 | 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1975, 1977, 1980 |
| Castle Cup (NFL Cup) | 4 | 1961, 1965, 1966, 1973 |
Known for combining Brazilian magic, Scottish grit, and South African energy, the 1960s team is widely regarded as one of the best ever in South African football.
🔥 Legendary Players:
- Rafi Levi (Israel)
- Walter Da Silva (Brazil)
- Sean Connor, Joe Frickleton, Ronnie Hume (Scotland)
- Malcolm Rufus, Freddie Kalk, Martin Cohen
🟥 3. Mergers and Transitions (1970s–1983)
Key Moments:
- 1971: Merged with Powerlines FC and rebranded briefly as Highlands Power FC.
- 1979: Signed a major sponsorship with Dion, becoming Dion Highlands FC.
- 1980–83: Played as Dion FC and later Dion Highlands FC before being sold.
🛑 The End:
In February 1983, the club played its last professional match — losing the BP Top Eight Final to Orlando Pirates. Soon after, Jomo Sono purchased the franchise and renamed it Dion Cosmos, which later became Jomo Cosmos.
This marked the official disbandment of the original Highlands Park FC.
🟥 4. Multiple Revivals: 1990s–2013
Though the pro club ended, the name Highlands Park would not die.
Timeline of Comebacks:
- 1990: A new team with the same name entered the National Soccer League (finished 9th in 1991).
- 1993: Franchise sold to Welkom Eagles — a brief end again.
- 2000–2003: Formed partnership with Silver Stars (renamed HP Silver Stars).
- 2003–2013: A phoenix club re-emerged under Larry Brookstone, working up from regional leagues.
🏆 Lower Division Success:
| Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Vodacom League | Champions – 2011, 2014 |
| ABC Motsepe League | Promoted in 2014 |
| Castle League (4th Tier) | Multiple wins (2009–2013) |
🟥 5. The PSL Era and Final Chapter (2014–2020)
Highlands Park returned to the national spotlight in 2014, earning promotion to the National First Division (NFD) and reaching the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2016.
🧠 Key Leadership:
- Coach: Owen da Gama (credited with tactical discipline and youth development)
- Chairmen: Larry Brookstone → Brad Kaftel
⚽ Modern Era Highlights:
- PSL top 8 finishes
- MTN8 semifinal appearances
- Respected academy system
- Known for hard-running, counter-attacking football
💼 Franchise Sale:
In September 2020, Highlands Park sold their PSL status to TS Galaxy, marking the end of their modern era.
🟥 6. Legacy of Highlands Park FC
| Legacy Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| NFL Dominance | 8 titles – one of the most successful white-era teams in SA |
| Cultural Transition | Early bridge-builder between segregated leagues (merged with Chiefs briefly) |
| Modern Contribution | Youth development, competitive PSL team in 2010s |
| Influence on Cosmos | Club franchise used to found Jomo Cosmos |
| Home of Legends | Players like Jimmy Williams, Rafi Levi, Martin Cohen |
🟥 7. Honour Roll: Trophies & Accolades
| Competition | Titles | Notable Years |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Championship | 8 | 1960–1980 |
| Castle Cup | 4 | 1961, 1965, 1966, 1973 |
| Telkom Knockout | 1 | 2007 (as HP Silver Stars) |
| ABC Motsepe League | 1 | 2013/14 |
| Vodacom League | 2 | 2011, 2014 |
🟥 8. Final Word: More Than Just a Club
“The bar had been raised. Neither the club nor the country would ever be the same again.”
Highlands Park FC was more than a football team — it was a pioneer of professionalism, a symbol of community pride, and a multi-era force that helped shape South African football. Though no longer in the PSL, its name continues to inspire nostalgia and pride among fans across the country.
