Cape Town’s Nyanga Stadium is set to come alive on Sunday as the highly anticipated third edition of the annual Friendship Cup Tournament kicks off.
Launched in 2023 by the Lab of Excellence Football Club, previously known as Joburg Strikers Football Club, it has become a vital stepping stone for young players seeking to join established club academies.
Running from April 27 to May 4, the tournament aims to uncover raw talent and give aspiring footballers invaluable exposure to elite academy clubs. This year, the competition has expanded to include an Under 12 division, bringing the total to three divisions—Under 10, 12, and 14. With scouts from various clubs eagerly invited to attend, the stakes are high.
The champions will be rewarded with a full set of kits, medals, a trophy, and a R2000 voucher. The runners-up will also receive their own set of kits, medals, and R1500.
Adding more excitement, scouts select a ‘Dream Team’ comprising 20 of the most talented individuals. These individuals will be given the unique opportunity to train with distinguished coaches post-tournament. Notable figures such as former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni, currently serving as the SA Under-17 national team assistant coach, and Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs will guide these youngsters to reach their full potential.
TWO YOUNGSTERS UNEARTHED FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CUP
Tournament Director Siya Ndlela expressed satisfaction at witnessing numerous young players gaining opportunities at esteemed clubs through their participation in the tournament.
“The tournament’s success is evident in the exceptional players who have been scouted and gotten into structured academies. We want to see more players come out of this tournament and get good opportunities,” Ndlela told FARPost. He also commended the Sisa Mbekeni Foundation for its “unwavering dedication of time and resources”.
Two of the top youngsters who have come out of the tournament are Indiphile Qokela, now at Mamelodi Sundowns. Born in 2009, the teenager featured for FC Porto and Young Pirates in the Greater Philippi LFA. In 2023, the talented midfielder was scouted by Nexus Academy.
In December 2024, he was assessed by PSL giants Sundowns and signed in January. He now belongs to the Brazilians.
Songo Khethelo is at Cape Town Spurs. Born in 2010, the left winger played in the 2023 edition and went to Hellenic in 2024. In November 2024, he was scouted by Cape Town Spurs.
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