Sinani United Football Club were crowned the ultimate champions of the Mbombela Football Festival after beating KamaQhekeza Football Academy 2-0. The young players faced off at Halls Stadium on Friday, November 28.

Eight teams competed for the title. The first segment took place on November 1, when 24 teams played in the group stages to eliminate one another until only eight remained.

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The weekend’s tournament formed part of the Mpumalanga Juniors Championship – a youth football festival series held in six regions of the province: Delmas, Ermelo, Witbank, KwaMhlanga, Secunda and Mbombela.

Sinani United and KamaQhekeza Football Academy will represent Mbombela in the provincial competition, joining other winners and runners-up from the remaining regions. The ultimate winners will then be crowned provincial champions.

Cyril Morele, Sinani United Football Club’s head coach, said they are grateful for the support received throughout the tournament.

“I am very happy with the boys for how they fought as a team and left it all on the field. They played like defending champions and they deserved the victory. It was a good final against KMQ Academy; I respect their coach and I love watching his team play. Overall, it was exciting to yet again witness so much talent in one space.”

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The championship is designed to provide a platform for young players at a grassroots level to showcase their talents.

Football clubs from across the province are invited to participate, ensuring broad representation in the provincial competition. Since its inception in 2020, the tournament has aimed to nurture talented players who may progress to professional academies. It also provides aspiring footballers with visibility among talent scouts.