eThekwini’s Thugg Inn, a team well known to football lovers across the province, have announced their arrival on the national stage after being crowned champions of the play-off tournament to determine South Africa’s best Squad League team.

The eThekwini outfit travelled to Pretoria on Friday to compete against some of the country’s finest talent. Despite the long and tiring journey, the team remained focused on its objective.

“The trip was long and tiring, but that did not affect our players. The boys were absolutely focused and determined to reach the final playoff, where the winning team will walk away with R25, 000 prize money,” said Donovan Gordon.

The tournament drew some of the country’s best players, including several professional footballers. The substantial financial rewards provide an added incentive for teams to compete at the highest level.

The round-robin stage proved demanding, but as the competition progressed, Thugg Inn’s quality, experience and determination began to shine through. Having qualified from the group stages, the team navigated its way through the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals to book its place in the final.

The semi-final was a particularly tough encounter, but Thugg Inn’s vast experience proved decisive as they secured their place in the title clash. Standing between them and the championship was Buccaneers from Soweto, also known as Pirates Five, regarded as the country’s number-one-rated team. As expected, the final was an action-packed affair, with both sides displaying tremendous skill, intensity and determination.

The game swung from end to end, with neither team prepared to give an inch.  Thugg Inn were two-nil down, and with the clock running down fast, most teams would crumble under this pressure, certainly not Thugg Inn. However, through sheer grit, determination and exceptional skill and inter-passing, Thugg Inn scored three goals in quick succession. This outstanding and collective team effort saw Thugg Inn emerge victorious, defeating Buccaneers 3-2 to lift the title and claim the R25, 000 prize money. 

Thugg Inn is a proudly local team from the eThekwini region, comprising players from Newlands, Wentworth, Sydenham and KwaMashu. Their success is a testament not only to their footballing ability but also to the unity, brotherhood and perseverance that have become hallmarks of the team. 

A key contributor to the team’s journey has been its owner and sponsor, Tony Pillay, whose unwavering faith in the players has ensured that they are adequately supported at tournaments. This support includes tracksuits, playing kits, transport, accommodation and meals. With the end-of-year championship offering a massive R500, 000 prize to the eventual winners, Thugg Inn will now turn its attention to the ultimate challenge. 

Their recent triumph will undoubtedly boost the team’s confidence as they prepare to measure themselves against the very best in the country once again.

“We are extremely grateful to our owner for believing in us and providing everything we need to compete. His support means a great deal to the entire team. We hope to repay that faith by making him proud at the big event at the end of the year,” Gordon concluded.