16 Jun 2025

Thebephatshwa Football Club has on Saturday won the first edition of Tonota Top 4 Tournament Cup after beating Zone 14 by 2-0 in the final in at Tonota Zola grounds. 

Thebephatshwa won trophy, gold medal and P1 000, while Zone 14 got silver medal and P500 and Zola Kings walked away with bronze medals and P250 for coming third. 

Enroute to the final, Thebephatshwa defeated Shashe Black Tigers 2-0, while Zone 14 beat Zola Kings 3-0 to book a berth in the final.

In a post match interview, Thebephtshwa coach, Resego Mokgadinyane said his team’s victory was a result of intense training. 

Despite fielding a squad dominated by young and inexperienced players, Mokgadinyane said the players were determined to win and had indicated that they were destined for bright future in football.

Meanwhile, Zone 14 coach, Karabo Phillimon said even though his team played well, most of his players were not confident and could not absorb the pressure of a tournament. 

He said the tournament served as a good platform for the boys to gain experience and sharpen their football skills. Tournament spokesperson, Kedumetse Morapetsane said it was a success as it managed to pull a reasonable crowd and the teams showcased mouthwatering football display. 

He said though it was first time they held the tournament, it had shown the potential for growth. 

He said the tournament served as a platform to unleash young talent as well as bring the people together through a gathering that did not promote social ills, alcohol and drug abuse. 

He encouraged parents to support their children’s participation in sport as it could help them avoid social ills. ENDS