Phaphama Football Club are the 2023 DStv eKasi Champs of Champs after whipping Swidi Wodwa Football Club. The hard-won victory came after a penalty shootout and Phaphama FC walked away with the R250 000 prize money. It was a weekend full of kasi football flavour. On arrival at the Dobsonville sport precinct, people carrying sweets caught eyes. It was a sign that the Swidi Wodwa Football Club from Orange Farm and their supporters had arrived. 

In their red T-shirts were a Phaphama FC, hailing all the way from a natural beautiful province of Mpumalanga. Not as loud as the Swidis, but with a hidden contentment.

Within 15 minutes, Swidi Wodwa had put their first goal in the net, and the crowd went wild only to be stopped by Phaphama FC’s goal. 

It was a battle of players in the pitch. Swidi fans dominating the stadium with songs, whistles and claps until silenced by a penalty shootout that declared Phaphama FC the winners. 

This tournament is developmental in nature and provides a window for scouts to identify talent that can be further developed. 

Most professional players who are currently playing in various leagues are products of community games.

Brilliant right-wing player, 21-year-old Tlhalefang Gabane of Phaphama FC, when asked how the game was, said: “it was tough, we fought and wanted to win. It was a team effort.”

“I have never played in a tournament like this and won a gold medal, to me it is an achievement. Now we are going back home to celebrate,” said a jubilant Gabane.

This 2023 DStv eKasi Champ of Champs brought smiles to the football-loving community of Dobsonville and surrounds.

04/07/2023