With no representation in the national, provincial, or even regional football leagues, Khayelitsha amateur clubs have often struggled to compete in Cape Town regional competitions. That is why football leadership decided to host the inaugural Khayelitsha Champions League, where the best local teams could compete for glory – and R5,000 in prize money.
The League brought together the top four sides from five local football associations — Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mandela Park, Monwabisi and Lingelethu. But as the saying goes, there could only be one winner.
Reigning Lingelethu LFA champions Mighty United became the first winners of the R5,000 prize money after they defeated Young Rebels, also from Lingelethu, 4-1 in a thrilling final at a packed Lingelethu Sports Complex in Site C on Saturday 8 March 2025.
Mighty’s Makabongwe “Ma B” Menzi walked away with the Player of the Tournament award, while Athini Kapa of U&I FC in Mandela Park finished as the Top Goal Scorer with seven goals, despite his team crashing out of the tournament in the quarterfinals. Both players pocketed R500 in cash for their excellent performances, courtesy of Cape At 6 Sport.
As the organizers explained, the aim of the tournament is to help local clubs to familiarize themselves with the high standards of regional competitions, preparing them for events such as the Coke Cup and the SAFA Cape Town LFA Promotional Playoffs. Additionally, the goal is to unite Khayelitsha footballers and strengthen their relationships and collaborations.
“We need to know one another and recognize that we are here in Khayelitsha with one aim — to develop the youth through the power of sport and to make our clubs stronger. LFAs have different standards, and providing our clubs opportunities to compete against opponents from outside their LFAs will benefit them greatly,” explained Kuna Sikiti, one of the organisers.
With the inaugural event having exceeded expectations, the plan is to take stock and prepare for an even bigger tournament.
*The trophy, medals and prize money for the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer was courtesy of this publication.
