The tournament is hosted by the Happy Jele Foundation, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, with sponsorship from Liberty Coal, Clover and Alzu Foods.

Sixteen teams qualified for the tournament after preliminary rounds involving 32 teams from across the municipality.

Opening matches delivered tight competition.

Nashville FC defeated Doornkop All Blacks 5–4 on penalties after a goalless draw. Mhluzi beat Kwazamokuhle United 2–1, while Shosholoza secured a 2–1 win over Dream Team.

Tournament founder and former Orlando Pirates captain, Happy Jele said the initiative aims to nurture local sporting talent.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Liberty Coal, the municipality, Clover and Alzu Foods for partnering with our foundation.” Happy said.

This is the first edition and will take place annually to nurture young sports talent.

“I do not want to be the only Happy Jele from this area who ended up at Orlando Pirates.” Happy Jele said.

According to the soccer star, multiple scouts from Premier Soccer League teams have been invited to attend the action packed games.

Schedule for Saturday, April 4:

• Netball matches will run from 10:00 to 16:00, featuring round-robin games and knockouts.
• Basketball quarter-finals will also take place between 10:00 and 16:00.
• Soccer semi-finals are scheduled from 11:00 to 17:00.

The Middelburg Easter Games will continue until Monday, April 6.