Delmas – The much-anticipated top eight tournament at Arbor Farm reaches its thrilling climax this upcoming weekend, with Mathathakusa FC set to clash against Top Killers FC in an explosive final.

The final will take place at 13H00 on Sunday, 26 October 2025.

The tournament has delivered top-quality football, passion and drama from the opening whistle. Eight strong local sides — Arsenal FC, Arbor Stars FC, Ntibane FC, Riespruit FC, Kriel FC, Bhombali FC, Mathathakusa FC and Top Killers FC— battled for supremacy on the dusty Arbor grounds.

The quarterfinals set the stage for a highly anticipated final between two of the region’s most disciplined and attacking sides. The results for the quarterfinals were as follows:

  • Bhombali FC edged out Arsenal FC 3-2.
  • Top Killers FC dominated Riespruit FC 4-1.
  • Kriel FC defeated Ntibane FC 4-2.
  • Mathathakusa FC narrowly beat Arbor Stars FC 1-0. 
  • Mathathakusa FC defeated Bhombali FC 2-1.
  • Top Killers FC overcame Kriel FC by the same score: 4-1.

Kennett Nkosinathi Thukwana, coach of Top Killers FC, said his team is ready for the challenge and will stick to their attacking philosophy.

“We tried to stay in our positions, keep the ball under control, and win the battles in the middle of the park,” he said. “The win means a lot. The community is happy and waiting for the final. My plan is big. I’ll go all out with an attacking style using a flat 3-5-2 formation. It will be like Christmas for the fans.”

Thukwana also praised his key players, Smanga Mabhena as the top performer and Ntando Msiza, the tournament’s top goal scorer.

Laffor Mashibobo, head coach of Mathathakusa FC, hailed his players’ discipline and teamwork after their semifinal triumph.

“It was marvelous that my boys have done wonders. They respect me and listen to my instructions. That’s what makes us a winning team,” said Mashibobo. “Both teams were strong, but I noticed their wingers overlapped too much. I switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 and told my strikers to press the wingers. We got the chance and utilised it.”

Looking ahead to the final, he acknowledged the challenge posed by Top Killers’ midfield and young striker Msiza.

“It’s going to be a hard one, they’re very strong, but we’ll prepare our midfield to handle the pressure. We’ll fight until the last whistle. I see a draw and maybe a win for us on penalties.”

Mashibobo highlighted Tumelo Makgalwa and Simon Mbele as his standout players in the semifinal.

Local fans are buzzing with anticipation. Sipho Dlamini, a football fan, described the atmosphere as electric. “The whole community is talking about this final. It’s like a festival where everyone is coming out to support their teams. Football brings us together here in Arbor, and this final will be something special.”

The top 8 Final promises attacking football and entertainment for fans. Whether it ends in a high-scoring shootout or a tense penalty thriller, one thing is certain: Arbor will witness a battle worthy of champions.