Mmamahabane United from Ventersburg in the Free State left Thaba Nchu R100K (R100 000) richer as they were crowned the champions of the 2023 edition of the Kasi World Cup.
On its second edition, the Kasi World Cup Tournament is the brainchild of the Tlale Majaoetsa Foundation and the games are held at the Arsenal Ground in Zone 1, Thaba Nchu in the Free State.
The tournament officially kicked off on 15 December and featured over 30 soccer teams from across the Free State province who participated in the battle for the R100K cash prize and a trophy.
The last match was played on Saturday 30 December where Amaroto and Mmamahabane United locked horns in a nail-biting clash.
During the first half, Mmamahabane soccer team from Ventersburg took an early lead forcing the match to go on half time with them in the lead. Amaroto from Bloemfontein equalized during the second half leading to the match to end at 1-1 and penalties were the decider of the match.
However, the Bloemfontein team should have ended the match 3-1 but failed to convert two penalties that were awarded to them as their player failed to score twice and to add insult to injury, the same player missed a penalty which played a role in Amaroto losing the cup.
The match ended 5-4 in favour of Mmamahabane FC.
Amaroto did not walk home empty-handed and pocketed R40K (R40 000) as second place team and third place team took home R20K (R20 000).
Speaking to Free State World after the final match, Tlale Majaoetsa said the tournament, though in its sophomore year, has grown and has attracted teams and a lot of spectators. He stated that four players who participated in the tournament now play in professional leagues.
“With this tournament, crime has decreased, we are happy with the tournament as it has shown progress. We had talent scouters who scout talent at the tournament, we had Royal AM (Royal Andile Mpisane) at this tournament and we are happy with the progress of the tournament” said Tlale.
Going forward, Tlale emphasised that the Kasi World Cup is not only about soccer but is a programme aimed at accommodating all sporting codes and various sporting codes will be added each year.
“The end goal of the Kasi World Cup Programme is to have Thaba Nchu Olympics” Tlale added.
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