Two for Joy have emerged as the champions of the 2024 Khabba Cup, defeating Star Pirates on 4-2 penalties after a 1-1 draw in a thrilling final and thus concluding an exciting weekend of top-tier youth football sponsored by South Africa’s premier sports betting operator, Hollywoodbets.
They walk away with R 120 000 while the runner-up gets R 50 000.
“I am very proud of what the boys accomplished today due to their commitment. I’d like to thank Hollywoodbets and all the other sponsors and spectators for making today possible, until the next one,” said the elated coach of Two for Joy TK Khoza.
The Khabba Cup was held at the King Zwelithini, Glebe, and SJ Smith stadiums in
Wema south of Durban, and saw 36 teams from all over the SAFA KZN and Eastern Cape regions compete in a fierce tournament.
Founded by former AmaZulu FC player Manqoba Mkhize, the event has rapidly become one of the most respected youth development tournaments in South Africa, attracting scouts nationwide.
The Khabba Cup’s primary goal is to unearth hidden and raw talent for the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Now in its third edition, the tournament has already produced stars like Yonela Mbuthuma, who currently plays for Richards Bay FC in the DStv Premiership.
The event also featured two curtain-raisers, with Gospel Stars taking on Ukhozi FM and a Legends team playing against Manqoba Mkhize Eleven.
Legendary footballers such as Steve Lekoelea, Siyabonga Sangweni, Japhet Zwane, Jabu Pule as well as Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Teko Modise were in attendance, adding to the excitement and prestige of the tournament.
Manqoba Mkhize, Founder of the Khabba Cup said “The meteoric rise of the Khabba Cup has been astonishing.
“When I came up with the idea of the Khabba Cup, I never imagined it would grow rapidly in such a short time. I’m delighted to make a difference in South African football.
“I know how difficult it is to defy the odds and make it to the elite league. That’s why I’ve created this platform. I want to make people’s dreams a reality through this tournament,” he said.
“We are chuffed that Hollywoodbets is part of the tournament. They continue to make a significant difference in youth development football. We are adamant that this relationship with Hollywoodbets will grow formidable in years and years to come.
“We need companies like Hollywoodbets for our football to be back at the pinnacle and compete with the giant countries in the world. We have talent in this country, and we’ve shown it in the past and such tournaments can revive our spark and steer our football to greater heights.”
Menzi Ngcobo, Hollywoodbets Senior Sponsorship Co-ordinator said, “Hollywoodbets is proud to be part of this coveted youth development football tournament as naming rights sponsors this year.
“When you talk about youth football development in KZN, the Khabba Cup is always in the conversation, which is a testament to the tournament’s success in unearthing the next generation of football stars every season.
“As a brand, we pride ourselves in partnering with football development pioneers like Manqoba Mkhize because he resonates with one of our core values of Ubuntu, with his efforts to give young players who would ordinarily get overlooked a chance at launching their professional football careers.
“We witnessed an eye-catching festival of football, great entertainment from the legend’s exhibition match and a massive turnout from football fans in Umlazi over two days. We wish all the teams and players the best of luck.”
Other notable wins are as follows
Players of the Tournament: Sibani Mtungwa
Top scorer: Mbhobho Ndlovu
Coach of the Tournament: TK Khoza
Defender of the Tournament: Siphamandla Nzuza
Midfielder of the Tournament: Ayanda Nzimande
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Thabiso Zulu
