SEBOKENG.- No one saw this coming, not even the tournament organisers anticipated this. Sharpeville Sweepers FC shocked many when they were crowned the 2025 Heist of Combo U12 Diski Challenge champions.
They achieved this feat when they beat Celta Vigo Development Academy 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Centre in Zone 14 on Saturday.
The day’s programme featured the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the final.
It was a great day of development football, with parents coming to witness their children’s God-given talent. This tournament will go down as one of the best initiatives for the development of football in Sedibeng. It was a top-notch setup on and off the field with eye-catching branding all over. Sweepers FC had to beat the tournament favourites, Vaal Gardens Sports Academy 2-1, to reach the final, while Celta Figo FC booked their spot in the final, defeating Lakeside Future Stars FC 1-0.
It was a great final with both teams entertaining spectators with some exciting football. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport after the tournament, tournament director Thabo Mathinye hailed this diski challenge a great success.
“There were a lot of surprises in this year’s tournament, with Sharpeville Sweepers FC being one of the standout teams.”
Mathinye was also full of compliments to the sponsors, Molibelo Industrial Corporation, for making this tournament possible, donating soccer jerseys, medals, and trophies for the final. Mathinye further called on other companies to follow Molibelo’s lead and invest in grassroots sports development, just as they do with senior tournaments in the community.
“On behalf of the Heist of Combo Diski Challenge management, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for your generous contribution and support towards our tournament. Your partnership reflects a true commitment to community development and the growth of grassroots sports. We deeply value your continued support and belief in our vision of empowering young athletes through football and teamwork in our youth. We look forward to working with you again in future events as we continue to build a stronger sporting culture together,” said Mathinye.
COACH WORDS: Josias Nnete: “We played well and created enough chances compared to our opponent, but at the end of the day, we ended up on the losing side. I’m proud of our boys, they gave everything, but luck was not on their side. Congratulations to Sharpeville Sweepers FC for being the tournament champions.”
