Braamfischer Eagles crowned champions of the LaLiga-sponsored KwaMahlobo Games

Braamfischer Eagles won the 20th edition of the KwaMahlobo Festive Games by beating the Meadowlands All Stars in the final of the KwaMahlobo grounds in Soweto this weekend.

All Stars, champions of the inaugural tournament way back in 1997, were no match for a stronger and more confident Eagles outfit who treated spectators to an exciting and entertaining performance on their way to a 2-0 victory.

The Eagles had previously come from behind to overcome a classy Meadowlands Academy side 4-2 in the semi-finals, while All Stars reached the final by beating local rivals Gazaville 2-0. Eagles were rewarded with R100,000 (around €6,950), gold medals and new kit as champions. All Stars took home R20,000 (around €1,400) as runners-up.

The 20th edition of the KwaMahlobo Games were backed by LaLiga and Antonio Barradas, LaLiga’s Africa Director, expressed his pride at having been involved in such an entertaining spectacle in the township.

“Firstly we’d like to congratulate Braamfischer Eagles on winning the tournament, they truly deserve the honours and we also commend each of the 40 teams for showcasing a brilliant display of football from day one,” he said.

“When we entered into this partnership, little did we know the extent of the passion and enthusiasm from the players and fans alike, not to mention the entertaining and highly skillful showcase of football the Soweto community was treated to over these three weeks. This was a memorable football experience for us and a great association formed with KwaMahlobo Games.”

#LaLiga's Africa Director Antonio Barradas was in the crowd for Saturday's KwaMahlobo Games final in Soweto. 

https://t.co/jHRkeqi2uB pic.twitter.com/EkfepN9dB2

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 16, 2017

The tournament traditionally showcases the Soweto community’s finest talent while also playing a key role in grassroots football development. As always, scouts flocked to the KwaMahlobo Grounds every day in search of the stars of tomorrow.

One of the players that made his name at the tournament, Bidvest Wits’ Xola “10-10” Mlambo, was among the 18,000 spectators that turned out to watch the final.  Other high-profile KwaMahlobo products include South African internationals Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Teko Modise, Excellent Walaza, Roger Majafa and Sipho Moeti.