History

In 1963 the Edros brothers, Mustaq and the late Iqbal, with the help of Louie and Ace who worked for Mr Ayub Chohan from Salt River Market started a football team with the name Hungry Lions and competed with teams in the surrounding areas of Dooringhogte and we beat them convincingly. The club colours chosen were red and white, the same as Arsenal F.C. from English Premier League.

Under the guidance of the teachers Mr Joggie and Mr Roberts who taught at Habibia Kokani Primary school, the team grew in stature.

With the encouragement and sponsorship from the late Mr Dullah Omar (Western Cape Icon in the struggle for Freedom of our country) and his wife Farida the club continued in its positive growth. Mr Omar was the Club’s patron

Thornhill United was formed on 17th June 1965 at the Residence of the Kazi Shahib, who was also a madrassa teacher and the club’s famous flame was ignited. The club was born out of the values of families. Our Shukran goes out to Edros, Kasker, Hanerker, Chohan, Kazi, Mia, Parker, Abdullah, Girie Firfirey , Nacerodien and Paleker families and many more. It was due to the commitment of these families that it was then decided that we officially join Western province Indian Football Association based at the Johnson Road Sports Grounds. Thornhill also created soccer for juveniles by creating an internal local league. Teams like Thornhill Rangers, Thornhill Spurs, Thornhill Rovers with other teams like Ocean Eleven , Eleven Hero’s and Gringo Spurs formed the local youth league. This created a soccer atmosphere within the Doringhoogte area. The apartheid laws kept the club from exposing the club’s talent. From humble beginning of one team and 50 members, the club can now boast of current members of 250 members with the following teams; 2 x under 8, 3 x under 9, 4 x under 10, 2 x under 12, 3 x under 14, 2 under 16, 1 x under 18 plus 2 seniors teams – Premier and 2nd Division

1980, the 15^th Anniversary of the club, was one of the highlights of the club’s existence.

• Three young administrators of Thornhill; Shawkat Mia, Mustaq Edros and Noore Nacerodien were party to the change in the future of the Association when they were in the forefront in removing the racial “Indian” tag from the Association and spearheaded the renaming of the Association to the Football Association of the Western Province (FAWP). The Association then joined the SACOS affiliated Western province Football Board.
• The club made a clean sweep of all trophies on offer at FAWP now known as Rygate FA.
• Nasser Abdullah was the first Thornhill member to win the FAWP “Player of the Year” award.
• The club started the cricket wing, Thornhill United Cricket Club

Over the years the club went on many excursions to develop the life skills of its members. Many valuable lessons were learnt by the members.

• Late 80’s the club gain Super league status in SAFA competion.
• 2 years later we were relegated back into our LFA and the next season an exodus +/_50 senior member resigned.
• Club hit rock bottom and was deep in financial trouble.
• Albeit our current CEO who is also HLVP of the club with few dedicated members held the club afloat and with the financial help of Abdul Razack kept Thornhill alive.
• Thereafter the club just went from strength to strength and today the club has membership of over 250.
• Recent success :
• Under 15 Were Knockout Winners in 2012 mananged by Ismail & Thabit.
• Under 17 were League winners in 2013 managed by Nakier & under 11 won league in 2014 managed by Qiyaam Hendricks & Darren Johnson.
• We say THANKS to the ALMIGHTY for his guidance through the years and Shukran to our faithful members for their unselfish dedication and effort they have put in to secure THORNHILL to be successful.