AT Mambas set to defend their title as Lerato Lamola Winter Games returns for 10th edition
The stakes are higher than ever, with champions set to claim R150 000, and a full playing kit, while the runners-up will walk away with R40 000 and a kit as well. Semi-finalists will each receive R5 000.
AT Mambas is primed to defend their title as the Ikeja Lerato Lamola Winter Games returns this June, marking an impressive 10th anniversary with unprecedented flair.
This year, the tournament is set to be larger, more thrilling, and more rewarding than ever, boasting an astonishing R200 000 in cash prizes.
The stakes are higher than ever, with the champion team set to claim R150 000, and a full playing kit, while the runners-up will walk away with R40 000, and a kit as well. Semi-finalists will each receive R5 000.
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The tournament kicks off with a riveting match between Indlovu and Real Super Stars on June 14, setting the tone for an action-packed series of matches to follow. The day also features Spain versus SSU, Fire Sniper taking on Gomora, and Skepe Nketole squaring off against Joburg All Stars.
On June 15, last year’s runners-up, Ama2000, will clash with Amaphutha, D10 will battle Dream Team, PEP XI will face off against Team of Choice, and Molototsi will meet Sizanani.
The excitement continues on June 16 with One Lions battling Real Eagles, followed by K9 taking on Amandla, and showdowns between Marashia and Cedmas, and Mudagasi versus Rich Hobo.
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The first round culminates on June 21 with high-stakes matches including: Izidla Mlilo versus PSG, Mighty Birds against Zone 14, and the African Pride Games champions, 012 Ayifuniwena, going up against Mantwaneng Shakers.
The defending champions, AT Mambas, also enter the fray as they face Mashashane. AT Mambas player Tshepo ‘Skhwama’ Matete has promised that the club will come back to defend their title.
As a pivotal fixture in township sports, the winter games not only highlights local talent, but also galvanises communities through a shared passion for football and purpose. Over the past decade, these games have firmly established themselves as a vital platform for showcasing football prowess, while fostering community resilience.
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Hosted by the Lerato Lamola Foundation and powered by Ikeja, this prestigious tournament draws the best teams from across the nation, turning the Lord Khanyile Sports Ground, known as Esgodini, into a dynamic sports sanctuary.
This year’s edition runs from June 14 to July 5 and features an electrifying top 32 knockout format. Emphasising social responsibility, participating teams are mandated to contribute two pairs of school shoes as part of their registration fee, which the foundation will donate to disadvantaged children in its ongoing outreach initiatives.
On June 7, the 32 competing teams were unveiled at Lifestyle Shisanyama, igniting excitement among players, organisers, and fans alike. Ridge Monga Ndlovu, the tournament director, fervently shared his vision for the foundation’s broader mission. “For the last ten years, this journey has been nothing short of incredible. While football is at our core, we are deeply committed to uplifting our community through the Lerato Lamola Foundation.”
The foundation has expanded its winter drive, encouraging community members to join in by also donating school shoes for children in need.
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