Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 18th Dec 2025
The Betfred Festive Cup 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at WJ Clements Stadium, Reiger Park, Boksburg, Gauteng, marking yet another successful chapter in one of South Africa’s most respected grassroots football tournaments.
More than just a football competition, the Betfred Festive Cup once again stood as a powerful platform for unity, community building, and sporting excellence, drawing together teams, families, SMMEs, vendors, and football lovers from across Gauteng, Limpopo, the Vaal, and even international participants from Ghana.
#BetfredFestiveCup2025 #SARainbowNews #CommunitySport
A Tournament Rooted in Vision and Purpose
Speaking to SA Rainbow News, tournament host Elrico Smith reflected on the journey and purpose of the Festive Cup, which was established in 2015, originally specialising as an indoor football tournament before growing into the large-scale outdoor event it is today.
> “It feels amazing,” Smith said. “The community needed an event of this magnitude, and it came at the right time. Often our communities are divided by crime and social challenges, but this platform showed that we can live together as one. Sport builds and unites, and I’m proud that the community could share this experience together.”
His sentiments were echoed throughout the tournament, with strong attendance, vibrant supporter engagement, and a family-friendly atmosphere that reflected the values the Festive Cup seeks to promote.
#FootballForUnity #TownshipSports
Champions Crowned Across Divisions
The finals delivered thrilling encounters across all divisions, with teams displaying exceptional discipline, skill, and sportsmanship:
Under-19 Division
🏆 Winners: Kathorus Juventus (Kathlehong & Voslorus)
🥈 Runners-up: Joburg Select
Masters Division
🏆 Winners: Kathorus Juventus
🥈 Runners-up: Eden Park Masters
Seniors Division
🏆 Winners: Abarondoli (Tembisa)
🥈 Runners-up: Dreams of Africa (Ghana)
According to Smith, the Masters Division plays a crucial role beyond competition.
> “The masters possess traits such as discipline, respect, integrity, and professionalism. These are qualities that young players can adapt and adopt. The youth are the future, and learning these values can positively impact their careers both on and off the field.”
#GrassrootsFootball #Champions
The Importance of Sponsorship and Professional Organisation
Smith highlighted the critical role of sponsorship in the success of the tournament, noting that strong partnerships elevate both the player and supporter experience.
> “Sponsorship enables us to provide quality football, a family-friendly environment, and meaningful rewards for teams’ hard work. It also creates employment opportunities within the community. Well-organised tournaments require funding, and when tournaments are well run, scouts are attracted — giving players real opportunities to showcase their talent.”
He further praised the overall administration of the 2025 edition:
> “The tournament was very well organised. The administration was strict, fair, and conducted with integrity. The local turnout was superb, and we encourage neighbouring communities to come out in even greater numbers in future. This is a safe tournament with no incidents.”
#SportSponsorship #WellOrganised
Quality Football and Growing Reach
The quality of football on display was another highlight, with teams travelling long distances to participate.
> “The standard of football was on point,” Smith added. “Teams came from Limpopo, the Vaal, and even Ghana to showcase their talent. That alone speaks to the credibility and growth of the Betfred Festive Cup.”
#MatchDayMoments #FootballExcellence
Giving Back and Inspiring the Next Generation
Looking beyond the tournament, Smith shared his passion for grassroots development and youth upliftment.
> “We want to reintroduce football and netball in local primary and secondary schools, provide equipment, and educate young learners about sport. When community leaders, sponsors, and role models attend events like this, it gives young boys and girls hope. Sometimes just a few words of encouragement can make a lifelong difference.”
#YouthDevelopment #FutureStars
Gratitude to Volunteers, Supporters, SMMEs and Partners
The organising committee extended heartfelt appreciation to volunteers, match officials, coaches, support staff, families, and supporters, whose dedication and energy ensured a memorable tournament.
Special recognition was also given to SMMEs and vendors, whose participation contributed to economic activity and community vibrancy throughout the event.
On behalf of the organisers, sincere thanks were extended to CCBSA and Mr Elias Sibeko (Captain SA / Captain Fantastic) for their invaluable sponsorship and partnership, which played a pivotal role in delivering a professional and impactful tournament.
#CCBSA #CommunityPartnership #SupportLocal
Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Borders
Sharing his long-term vision, Smith revealed ambitious plans for the future of the Betfred Festive Cup:
> “Over the next five years, our goal is to host the Betfred Festive Cup in every province in South Africa, all happening simultaneously. From there, we want to expand into the African continent and eventually the world. We invite people who love hosting tournaments to partner with us so we can synergise and create successful events globally. Many countries face similar challenges — poverty, lack of equipment — and through football, we can give children hope and make a real difference.”
Festive Wishes
As the final whistle marked the close of another successful edition, SA Rainbow News and the organising committee wished all participants, partners, and supporters a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, reaffirming the Festive Cup’s legacy as a beacon of unity, opportunity, and community empowerment through sport.
#FestiveCupLegacy #FootballForAll #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear
