African Pride Games return with 48 teams competing across Midrand and Tembisa

African Pride Games return for their seventh edition, with 16 U23 and 32 senior teams set to battle across Phomolong, Kanana, and Rabie Ridge.

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Comfort Makhanya 3 minutes read

Panellists share their insights during the official African Pride Games 2026 launch and draw at the Joburg Theatre on September 17. Photo: Joburg Sport — Panellists share their insights during the official African Pride Games 2026 launch and draw at the Joburg Theatre. Photo: Joburg Sport

Football fans and players have three venues to look forward to as the African Pride Games return for their seventh edition, bringing 48 teams to pitches across Midrand and Tembisa.

The 2026 tournament features 16 U23 and 32 senior teams competing at Phomolong Sports Centre, Kanana Sport Field, and Rabie Ridge Stadium from September 24 to October 25, with the finals set for Rabie Ridge Stadium.

The official media launch and draw, held at the Joburg Theatre on September 17, brought together tournament partners, participating teams, and football supporters ahead of the opening fixtures.

This year’s competitions will crown new champions, as last year’s U23 winners Mudagasi FC and senior champions Rinkase Best 11 are not returning to defend their titles. The senior winners will take home R150 000, while the runners-up will receive R30 000. In the U23 competition, the winners will pocket R30 000 and the runners-up R15 000.

Hosted by the Phuti Lekoloane Foundation, the Games were established in 2020 as a platform aimed at creating sporting opportunities and safe spaces for LGBTI+ athletes.

Founder Phuti Lekoloane said the tournament had grown into a broader sporting and community initiative. “Every year we continue to grow in terms of participation, partnerships, visibility, and the number of communities we reach,” said Lekoloane.

AT Mambas superfan Speedometer, and prominent figure in the Tembisa and Ivory Park kasi football scenes, Ridge Monga Ndlovu at the launch on September 17. Photo: Joburg Sport — AT Mambas superfan Speedometer, and prominent figure in the Tembisa and Ivory Park kasi football scenes, Ridge Monga Ndlovu at the launch. Photo: Joburg Sport

“The 2026 edition is particularly important because we are moving beyond simply hosting a tournament. We want African Pride Games to be an experience that combines competitive sport, entertainment, community development, inclusion, and advocacy.”

Lekoloane said the Games were also designed to create opportunities for grassroots teams and young players who may not always have access to major sporting platforms. “For us, development is bigger than winning a trophy. We also wanted to create opportunities for grassroots teams, young players, and communities that do not always get access to major sporting platforms,” he said.

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The U23 competition will provide young players with an opportunity to gain competitive experience and exposure to coaches, officials, and other players, while organisers hope to connect talented grassroots athletes with opportunities beyond the tournament.

Teams discover their opponents during the official African Pride Games 2026 draw at the Joburg Theatre on September 17. Photo: Joburg Sport — Teams discover their opponents during the official African Pride Games 2026 draw at the Joburg Theatre. Photo: Joburg Sport

Organisers, teams and football supporters attend the official launch and draw of the African Pride Games 2026 at the Joburg Theatre on September 17. Photo: Joburg Sport — Teams discover their opponents during the official African Pride Games 2026 draw at the Joburg Theatre. Photo: Joburg Sport

The tournament is being held in partnership with the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Lekoloane said the partnerships had helped strengthen the tournament’s reach while supporting its focus on youth participation, community development, and inclusion.

He said the Games also sought to challenge discrimination and create an environment where athletes could participate without hiding their identities. “We want an athlete to walk onto the field without having to hide who they are. We want people to compete, make friends, develop their talent, and feel respected. The Games are therefore not just a sporting tournament. They are also an advocacy platform.”

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The tournament also features netball and basketball, among other activities.

U23 last 16 fixtures.

Venue: Phomolong Sports Centre
Date: September 24