GKEPF JMF U19 Cup 2025
Over November and December 2025, the James Mayinga Foundation, in partnership with GKEPF and its member reserves, SANParks, and the Oak Foundation, successfully hosted our annual flagship event, the U19 Soccer and Netball Cup.
Each year, this tournament represents collaboration between conservation and local communities in the Greater Kruger and surrounding area. The 2025 iteration was our most successful event yet.
The knockout rounds, hosted in Thulamahashe New Stadium from 8-13 December, were broadcast on SuperSport Schools, reaching over 330,000 domestic and international viewers, more than double the 2024 Cup. 840 male and female players, and 76 support personnel, across 24 soccer and 16 netball teams came together for a thrilling week of sport.
Player Success Stories
One of the core goals of the U19 Cup is to give talented and hard working players the opportunity to shine on a large stage, and potentially be scouted to pursue professional or varsity soccer.
This year, we are proud to announce that as a result of the U19 Cup, several players have been offered places in both varsity and professional squads.
TUT Varsity
10 players attended trials at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) from 5-7 January, and we are pleased to share that all 10 passed.
Their progression is subject to passing their Grade 12 exams and meeting TUT’s admission requirements. Once these requirements are met, the players will be supported in enrolling in their courses of choice.
Upon admission, they will receive support with accommodation arrangements and will begin participating in Varsity Football while pursuing their studies. They will all have strong chances of being awarded sports bursaries.
Kruger United FC
Sifundo Sibanyoni, who represented Hlavekisa Happy Boys FC in the U19 Cup finals, has signed for Kruger United FC. This milestone highlights the impact of our partners GKEPF and their member reserves, SANParks and the Oak Foundation, uniting conservation and communities through sport.
Marumo Gallants FC
Halalisani Nkuna, who played for Rolle Cosmos FC, champions of the JMF U19 Cup 2025, has successfully signed a professional contract with Marumo Gallants FC.
We wish all the best to Halalisani, Sifundo, and the TUT Varsity players as they take the next step in their educational and professional soccer journeys.
SuperSport Broadcast
The knockout rounds were broadcast on SuperSport Schools, reaching more than 330,000 viewers, with over 10 million total minutes watched across Channel 216 and the SuperSport app. This is more than double the 2024 Cup, which had 150,000 viewers and 5 million minutes watched.
This year-over-year increase of more than 100% demonstrates the tournament’s success and impact, and the growing demand for grassroots football development in South Africa.
Leadership and Institutional Support
This year, the U19 Cup was honoured by the presence and support of key leaders who recognise the value of sport in youth development and community upliftment. These included:
His Majesty, King Nxumalo of the Amashangane Kingdom and King Jongilanga
Mr Kaizer Sibanyoni, President of SAFA Ehlanzeni (Mpumalanga)
Leadership representatives from the Greater Kruger member reserves
His Majesty, King Nxumalo of Amashangane
Their participation highlighted the importance of the tournament in:
Promoting youth development
Strengthening community pride
Supporting grassroots football structures
Building partnerships between sport, local communities, and conservation stakeholders
King Jongilanga Ximhungwe presenting the trophy to the 2025 Women’s football champions, Absa Academy FC.
Local Business Involvement
In addition to our usual partners, this year the U19 Cup was proudly sponsored by several local businesses too.
This included Thulamahashe SPAR, Roots Butchery and SPIF Chicken.
We are committed to further strengthening ties between local businesses, which are pillars of the community, and grassroots sports and conservation. Local buy-in like this will be critical for the long-term success and sustainability of the tournament.
Community Upliftment
In February, as a follow-up to the U19 Cup, we ran a successful community upliftment initiative in Thulamahashe.
In keeping with U19 Soccer and Netball Cup tradition, the champion teams donated 10% of their prize money to the community, funding fresh food and school shoes for students.
Key Message
The success stories of the 2025 Cup demonstrate how grassroots sport creates real opportunities for young people, while also bringing together community leaders, football structures, local businesses, and conservation partners in support of sustainable community upliftment.
We look forward to seeing you later this year, at the 2026 Cup!
If you would like to support making the 2026 Cup a reality, donations are greatly appreciated.
