EMALAHLENI – Mooihoek All Stars defeated Mhluzi Aces 3-2 to win the Given Thabedi Foundation Under-17 Top 16 Tournament at Emalahleni Pumas Stadium on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
The tournament, hosted by the Given Thabedi Foundation in partnership with the Emalahleni Local Football Association, Tumbo, Emalahleni Local Municipality and the Pucule Manirho Foundation, brought together some of Mpumalanga's most promising young footballers.
The final produced an entertaining contest filled with attacking football, determination and resilience before Mooihoek All Stars claimed the championship.
The champions received a full soccer kit, gold medals, a trophy and two soccer balls. Runners-up Mhluzi Aces received a soccer kit, silver medals and two soccer balls.
Individual performances were also recognised. Reabetswe Maimela was named Player of the Tournament, Makgeru Kgaogelo received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while Kopano Mokofane finished as the tournament's Top Goal Scorer.
Given Thabedi Foundation coordinator Thomas Choma praised the quality of football displayed throughout the tournament.
"The overall performance of the teams was excellent. The games were highly competitive and we witnessed raw talent at its best. There was passion everywhere – from the players, coaches and supporters to the parents in the stands. This is exactly what we want to see in our football because these youngsters are the future of the game," Choma said.
Choma congratulated both finalists on reaching the championship match.
"Mhluzi Aces should hold their heads high. They played exceptionally well throughout the tournament and must continue working hard because their time will come. To Mooihoek All Stars, congratulations on a well-deserved victory," Choma said.
Mooihoek All Stars coach Makofana Emmanuel said winning the tournament was the reward for months of hard work and discipline.
"Winning the tournament feels amazing, but more than the trophy, I am proud of my players. We proved that discipline beats talent when talent does not work hard. This victory shows young people that consistency and teamwork pay off," Makofana said.
Makofana said careful preparation played a key role in the team's success.
"We trained four times a week, focusing on fitness and the basics. We built our team around teamwork and not individual stars. Before every match, we set ourselves one simple goal – to win the first 10 minutes. That kept us focused and confident. We also studied our opponents and changed our formation when necessary, and that flexibility helped us win two difficult matches," Makofana said.
The Given Thabedi Foundation thanked its partners, participating teams, coaches, match officials and supporters for contributing to the success of the tournament and for providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent.
