The seventh edition of the African Pride Games will reach its climax at Rabie Ridge Stadium on October 25, with teams preparing to battle for the tournament titles across football and netball.

The penultimate day of the competition on October 24 saw teams fight for places in the finals, with the U23, ladies and senior football fixtures producing decisive results as the tournament made its final stop in Rabie Ridge.

The games began in Phomolong before moving to Kanana, bringing teams from different communities together through sport.

In the U23 category, Diga Boys FC secured their place in the final after defeating Harry Gwala FC 2–1 in the semi-finals. Snai 19 FC also booked their spot in the title decider after beating Isithembiso on penalties following a goalless draw.

The ladies’ semi-finals opened the day’s action, with Delmas FC defeating Phomolong Ladies 2–0 to reach the final. Blue Birds secured the other final spot with a 2–0 victory over Mbimbos Ladies FC.

Blue Birds player and woman of the match Maidi Mangena said the team had to encourage one another to overcome the challenge.

“We played well. At first, we thought it was going to be a tough match. So we pushed each other as teammates and said, ‘Let’s do it. We cannot lose in such tournaments,’ knowing very well that our team lacks money. We have to work hard so that we can also go to other tournaments,” she said.

Mangena encouraged young female footballers not to give up on their ambitions, despite the limited opportunities available to them. “To other young players out there who also want to participate on such a stage, firstly, never give up because these days there are not many opportunities for girls. We want to reach higher rankings.”

Looking ahead to the final, Mangena said the team would need to continue motivating one another and believing in their ability to win.

Phomolong Ladies player and woman of the match Nokukhanya Scathulo acknowledged the pressure of the semi-final but said her team had enjoyed the contest despite the result.

“It was a nice game. There was a lot of pressure and it’s hot, and our team managed to fight, but at the end of the day, the results were against us. We lost, but we enjoyed the game,” she said.

Scathulo, who has participated in the tournament in previous years, said the experience had motivated her to work harder ahead of the next edition. “I think we need to work hard and train as a team, especially when it comes to players who live far away. We need to make sure that we work as a team and score more goals.”

In the senior football category, Malandela FC completed the semi-final line-up after edging River Park FC 3–2. The senior semi-finals scheduled for October 25 will see Ama Ten Ten FC take on Covid 19 FC, followed by Ngwadla FC against Malandela FC. The winners will meet in the final on the same day.

The ladies’ final will feature Delmas FC against Blue Birds, while Diga Boys FC will face Snai 19 FC in the U23 final.

Netball will also form part of the tournament’s closing-day programme, with both men’s and women’s fixtures scheduled.

In the men’s competition, JCNC will face Alex Panther, while Eagles take on Clayville. In the women’s category, Alex Panthers will meet Bagweri, while Diversity face JCNC. The winners of the respective matches will advance to their finals.

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