The U10 Flair Feet Stars FC team has been crowned Sono Skills Cup 2026 champions at Norwood Primary School in Johannesburg. The tournament, organised by Leila Sono, granddaughter of football legend Jomo Sono, celebrated youth development and the Sono legacy.

Led by captain Ofentse Aphane (10), the young Blue Giants produced a determined performance throughout the tournament before lifting the trophy after a tightly contested final ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.

The Sono Skills Cup brought together several youth teams, including Transition, Norwood FC and Yeoville FC, among others, allowing young footballers to test themselves against established names in youth football.

One of the defining moments of the tournament came during the knockout stages when 10-year-old Lwande Mthombeni, also known as Ocean, produced a moment of brilliance in the dying moments of the match. With the Blue Giants facing elimination, Mthombeni found the back of the net to make it 3-3, sending the game into a penalty shootout – and the Blue Force erupted in celebration.

Flair Feet Stars kept their composure from the spot, with goalkeeper Chika Amaefula producing a crucial save to help the team secure victory and book its place in the final.

The pressure was equally intense in the final, but the young players once again showed remarkable composure, courage and belief to win the championship on penalties. Head coach Nnamdi John said he was immensely proud of the young players and their achievement.

“Our team had boys as young as six years old. We believe in development, the spirit of excellence, maintaining our standards and discipline. These boys come from different communities in the Vaal”

He said the tournament victory reflected the hard work invested in the players and an opportunity for them to measure themselves against strong opposition.

“We competed against big clubs, and our boys showed that with hard work, discipline and the right support, they can compete with anyone. We are very proud of them.”