2024 Midrand Diski Challenge champions still wait for prize money
Despite their victory last year in October, Al Baraka Club Footbal continues to face delays in receiving their winnings, while the tournament prepares for its third edition, scheduled to start in September.
Last year’s Midrand Diski Challenge champions, Al Baraka Club Football, have yet to receive their R10 000 prize money.
Despite being crowned on October 5, 2024, and being promised the prize within seven days, they have not been paid nearly a year later. Meanwhile, the tournament is set to return on September 27 for its third edition.
The club’s coach, Meshack Ntsoane, stated that they only received medals and an unbranded trophy, “Which we were told would be branded with our team name, but that, as well, never happened.”
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The second edition was organised by the Mologadi Johannes Tuba Foundation, in partnership with Aquelle ViV, LogicWorld Advertising, and Gazebo World, from September 28 to October 5 in Midrand last year.
“Last October, we participated in the Midrand Diski Challenge at Beaulieu College, hosted by Johnny Tuba. It was a well-run top 16 tournament.” Ntsoane explained. “We paid R1 000 affiliation fees, which were supposed to fund the prize, along with other teams.”
After an initial victory over Dark Angel, AL Baraka advanced through the quarterfinals and semifinals, defeating Mighty Wizard and Midrand FC, respectively, before beating Real Madrid in the final to be crowned champs.
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Ntsoane emphasised the frustration, noting the prize remains unpaid despite multiple discussions with the tournament hosts. “After various engagements with Johnny Tuba, the founder of Midrand Diski Challenge, we are still awaiting our cash prize,” Ntsoane explained. “Mr Tuba now attempts to host another Midrand Diski Challenge edition, starting from September 27, while knowing that last year’s champions were not compensated.”
The tournament’s marketing and fundraising officer, Johnny Tuba, acknowledged the concerns raised by Al Baraka regarding the delayed payment of the prize money.
Tuba said Al Baraka were deserving champions, and the foundation sincerely regrets the frustration and disappointment this delay has caused. “The delay in payment was due to unforeseen complications with a third-party sponsor who had committed to cover the cash prize. We have since engaged with the sponsor, who has acknowledged the delay and has committed to remedying the situation by fulfilling their financial obligation. We are actively following up and expect this matter to be resolved soon.”
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He added that these are ‘hurdles’ they take seriously and are learning from. “As part of our ongoing growth, we are in the process of securing reliable and committed sponsors for the upcoming 2026 Midrand Diski Challenge. Our aim is to grow stronger every year, and part of that includes strengthening our administrative support and sponsor management, to ensure that such issues do not arise again.”
The tournament remains committed to fairness, transparency, and the growth of local football. Tuba promised that a detailed payment update will be communicated directly to Al Baraka, and that the club would be paid before the third edition begins, likely by the end of July.
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