Durban: Eastern Cape XI emerged as the champions of the 2025 Khabba Cup, defeating Lagos FC in an exciting final that will be remembered for years to come. The match perfectly captured the spirit, passion, and skill that defines this festival of elite youth football, proudly powered by South Africa’s premier sports betting operator, Hollywoodbets. The winning team takes home R120,000, while the runners-up receive R50,000.
Winning Coach, Sihle Makhanya, said, “I am over the moon with happiness. What makes it even greater is that a lot of these players are young boys who have never been exposed to such a high level of football. A tournament like the Khabba Cup is great because it gives a platform for young footballers to show off their talent for scouts. I also have to add that Hollywoodbets makes a lot of contribution to football development at grassroots level for men’s and women’s football, which is key for tournaments like these.”
The Khabba Cup was hosted across the King Zwelithini, Glebe, and SJ Smith Stadiums in Wema, south of Durban. The tournament featured 36 teams from the SAFA KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape regions, competing fiercely for glory. Founded by former Golden Arrows FC legend Manqoba Mkhize, the event has quickly become one of South Africa’s most respected youth development tournaments, attracting scouts from across the country. The tournament perfectly encapsulates Hollywoodbets’ belief in youth grassroots football.
Manqoba Mkhize, Founder of the Khabba Cup, said, “It was incredible to see thousands of fans filling King Zwelithini Stadium to watch rising stars from across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. This tournament is clearly growing in stature and reach every year. Partnerships like the one we have with Hollywoodbets have played a vital role in that growth, helping us build a premier platform for identifying the next generation of football superstars. The talent and skill on display today prove that the future of South African football is bright.”
Menzi Ngcobo, Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship Coordinator football, commented, “Last year, we set a high standard—and surpassed it. But this year, the quality of football reached even greater heights, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved. It’s a perfect example of what happens when vision and passion come together, creating thrilling football and unforgettable memories that will stay in people’s hearts for years to come.”
Other notable winners include:
- Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer: Lundi Mphahla
- Coach of the Tournament: Sihle Makhanya
- Defender of the Tournament: Thando Mbatha
- Midfielder of the Tournament: Aviwe Blaai
- Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Ayanda Ngwenya
